Treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to AAVs encoding a SOD1 targeting polynucleotide which may be used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and/or canine degenerative myelopathy (DM).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 U.S. National Stage Entry of International Application No. PCT/US2018/055999, filed Oct. 16, 2018 and entitled TREATMENT OF AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS); which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/572,702, filed Oct. 16, 2017 and entitled TREATMENT OF AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS); the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

The present application is being filed along with a Sequence Listing in electronic format. The Sequence Listing is provided as a file entitled 20571047US371SL.txt, created on Apr. 16, 2020, which is 93,331 bytes in size. The information in the electronic format of the sequence listing is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions, methods and processes for the design, preparation, manufacture and/or formulation of polynucleotides, including AAV vectors, small interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes, shRNA, microRNA or precursors thereof which target or encode molecules which target the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene to interfere with SOD1 gene expression and/or SOD1 enzyme production. In some embodiments, polynucleotides are inserted into recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. Methods for inhibiting SOD1 gene expression in a subject with a neurodegenerative disease are also disclosed. The method optionally introduces at least one polynucleotide into the subject with the neurodegenerative disease. Particularly, the disease is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal progressive neurodegenerative disease, characterized by the predominant loss of motor neurons (MNs) in primary motor cortex, the brainstem, and the spinal cord. The loss of motor neurons devastates basic fundamental movements, such as breathing, and typically causes death to patients within 2˜5 years after diagnosis. Progressive deterioration of motor function in patients severely disrupts their breathing ability, requiring some form of breathing aid for survival of the patients. Other symptoms also include muscle weakness in hands, arms, legs or the muscles of swallowing. Some patients (e.g., FTD-ALS) may also develop frontotemporal dementia.

According to the ALS Association, approximately 5,600 people in the United States of America are diagnosed with ALS each year. The incidence of ALS is two per 100,000 people, and it is estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans may have the disease at any given time.

Two forms of ALS have been described: one is sporadic ALS (sALS), which is the most common form of ALS in the United States of America and accounts for 90 to 95% of all cases diagnosed; the other is familial ALS (fALS), which occurs in a family lineage mainly with a dominant inheritance and only accounts for about 5 to 10% of all cases in the United States of America. sALS and fALS are clinically indistinguishable.

Pathological studies have shown that some of cellular processes occur after the disease onset, including increased ER stress, generation of free radicals (i.e., reactive oxygen species (ROS)), mitochondrial dysfunction, protein aggregation, apoptosis, inflammation and glutamate excitotoxicity, specifically in the motor neurons (MNs).

The causes of ALS are complicated and heterogeneous. In general, ALS is considered to be a complex genetic disorder in which multiple genes in combination with environmental exposures combine to render a person susceptible. More than dozen genes associated with ALS have been discovered, including, SOD-1 (Cu²⁺/Zn²⁺ superoxide dismutase), TDP-43 (TARDBP, TAR DNA binding protein-43), FUS (Fused in Sarcoma/Translocated in Sarcoma), ANG (Angiogenin), ATXN2 (Ataxin-2), valosin containing protein (VCP), OPTN (Optineurin) and an expansion of the noncoding GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat in the chromosome 9, open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72). However, the exact mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration are still elusive.

Currently, there is no curative treatment for ALS. The only FDA approved drug is Riluzole, which antagonizes the glutamate response to reduce the pathology development of ALS. However, only about a three-month life span expansion for ALS patients in the early stages has been reported, and no therapeutic benefit for ALS patients in the late stages has been observed, indicating a lack of therapeutic options for the patients (Bensimon G et al., J Neurol. 2002, 249, 609-615). Therefore, new treatment strategy that can effectively prevent the disease progression is still in demand.

Mutations in the gene of Cu²⁺/Zn²⁺ superoxide dismutase type I (SOD1) are the most common cause of fALS, accounting for about 20 to 30% of all fALS cases. Recent reports indicate that SOD1 mutations may also be linked to about 4% of all sALS cases (Robberecht and Philip, Nat. Rev. Neurosci., 2013, 14, 248-264). SOD1-linked fALS is most likely not caused by loss of the normal SOD1 activity, but rather by a gain of a toxic function. One of the hypotheses for mutant SOD1-linked fALS toxicity proposes that an aberrant SOD1 enzyme causes small molecules such as peroxynitrite or hydrogen peroxide to produce damaging free radicals. Other hypotheses for mutant SOD1 neurotoxicity include inhibition of the proteasome activity, mitochondrial damage, disruption of RNA processing and formation of intracellular aggregates. Abnormal accumulation of mutant SOD1 variants and/or wild-type SOD1 in ALS forms insoluble fibrillar aggregates which are identified as pathological inclusions. Aggregated SOD1 protein can induce mitochondria stress (Vehvilainen P et al., Front Cell Neurosci., 2014, 8, 126) and other toxicity to cells, particularly to motor neurons.

These findings indicate that SOD1 can be a potential therapeutic target for both familial and sporadic ALS. A therapy that can reduce the SOD1 protein, whether wildtype or mutant, produced in the central nervous system of ALS patients may ameliorate the symptoms of ALS in patients such as motor neuron degeneration and muscle weakness and atrophy. Agents and methods that aim to prevent the formation of wild type and/or mutant SOD1 protein aggregation may prevent disease progression and allow for amelioration of ALS symptoms. RNA interfering (RNAi) mediated gene silencing has drawn researchers' interest in recent years. Small double stranded RNA (small interfering RNA) molecules that target SOD1 gene haven been taught in the art for their potential in treating ALS (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,632,938 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 20060229268).

The present invention develops an RNA interference, or knock-down based approach to inhibit or prevent the expression of SOD1 gene in ALS patients for treatment of the disease.

The present invention provides novel polynucleotides, including double stranded RNA (dsRNA) constructs and/or siRNA constructs, shRNA constructs and/or microRNA constructs and methods of their design. In addition, these siRNA constructs may be synthetic molecules encoded in an expression vector (one or both strands) for delivery into cells. Such vectors include, but are not limited to adeno-associated viral vectors such as vector genomes of any of the AAV serotypes or other viral delivery vehicles such as lentivirus, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides AAV vectors encoding a SOD1 targeting polynucleotide to interfere SOD1 gene expression and/or SOD1 protein production and methods of use thereof. Methods for treating motor neuron degeneration diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are also included in the present invention.

In one embodiment, SOD1 is suppressed 30% in a subject treated with an AAV encoding a SOD1 targeting polynucleotide as compared to an untreated subject. The subject may be administered the AAV in an infusion or as a bolus at a pre-determine dose level. As a non-limiting example, the suppression is seen in the C1 to L7 ventral horn region.

The present invention relates to RNA molecule mediated gene specific interference with gene expression and protein production. Methods for treating motor neuron degeneration diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are also included in the present invention. The siRNA included in the compositions featured herein encompass a dsRNA having an antisense strand (the antisense strand) having a region that is 30 nucleotides or less, generally 19-24 nucleotides in length, that is substantially complementary to at least part of an mRNA transcript of the SOD1 gene.

The present invention provides short double stranded RNA molecules such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes that target SOD1 mRNA to interfere with SOD1 gene expression and/or SOD1 protein production. The siRNA duplexes of the present invention may interfere with both alleles of the SOD1 gene irrespective of any particular mutation in the SOD1 gene and may particularly interact with those found in ALS disease.

In some embodiments, such siRNA molecules, or a single strand of the siRNA molecules, are inserted into adeno-associated viral vectors to be introduced into cells, specifically motor neurons and/or other surrounding cells in the central nervous system.

The siRNA duplex of the present invention comprises an antisense strand and a sense strand hybridized together forming a duplex structure, wherein the antisense strand is complementary to the nucleic acid sequence of the targeted SOD1 gene, and wherein the sense strand is homologous to the nucleic acid sequence of the targeted SOD1 gene. In some aspects, the 5′ end of the antisense strand has a 5′ phosphate group and the 3′ end of the sense strand contains a 3′ hydroxyl group. In other aspects, there are none, one or 2 nucleotides overhangs at the 3′ end of each strand.

According to the present invention, each strand of the siRNA duplex targeting the SOD1 gene is about 19-25 nucleotides in length, preferably about 19 nucleotides, 20 nucleotides, 21 nucleotides, 22 nucleotides, 23 nucleotides, 24 nucleotides, or 25 nucleotides in length. In some aspects, the siRNAs may be unmodified RNA molecules.

In other aspects, the siRNAs may contain at least one modified nucleotide, such as base, sugar or backbone modification.

In one embodiment, an siRNA or dsRNA includes at least two sequences that are complementary to each other. The dsRNA includes a sense strand having a first sequence and an antisense strand having a second sequence. The antisense strand includes a nucleotide sequence that is substantially complementary to at least part of an mRNA encoding SOD1, and the region of complementarity is 30 nucleotides or less, and at least 15 nucleotides in length. Generally, the dsRNA is 19 to 24, e.g., 19 to 21 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments the dsRNA is from about 15 to about 25 nucleotides in length, and in other embodiments the dsRNA is from about 25 to about 30 nucleotides in length.

The dsRNA, either upon contacting with a cell expressing SOD1 or upon transcription within a cell expressing SOD1, inhibits or suppresses the expression of a SOD1 gene by at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35% or at least 40% or more, such as when assayed by a method as described herein.

According to the present invention, AAV vectors comprising the nucleic acids encoding the siRNA duplexes, one strand of the siRNA duplex or the dsRNA targeting SOD1 gene are produced, the AAV vector serotype may be AAV1, AAV2, AAV2G9, AAV3, AAV3a, AAV3b, AAV3-3, AAV4, AAV4-4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV6.1, AAV6.2, AAV6.1.2, AAV7, AAV7.2, AAV8, AAV9, AAV9.11, AAV9.13, AAV9.16, AAV9.24, AAV9.45, AAV9.47, AAV9.61, AAV9.68, AAV9.84, AAV9.9, AAV10, AAV11, AAV12, AAV16.3, AAV24.1, AAV27.3, AAV42.12, AAV42-1b, AAV42-2, AAV42-3a, AAV42-3b, AAV42-4, AAV42-5a, AAV42-5b, AAV42-6b, AAV42-8, AAV42-10, AAV42-11, AAV42-12, AAV42-13, AAV42-15, AAV42-aa, AAV43-1, AAV43-12, AAV43-20, AAV43-21, AAV43-23, AAV43-25, AAV43-5, AAV44.1, AAV44.2, AAV44.5, AAV223.1, AAV223.2, AAV223.4, AAV223.5, AAV223.6, AAV223.7, AAV1-7/rh.48, AAV1-8/rh.49, AAV2-15/rh.62, AAV2-3/rh.61, AAV2-4/rh.50, AAV2-5/rh.51, AAV3.1/hu.6, AAV3.1/hu.9, AAV3-9/rh.52, AAV3-11/rh.53, AAV4-8/r11.64, AAV4-9/rh.54, AAV4-19/rh.55, AAV5-3/rh.57, AAV5-22/rh.58, AAV7.3/hu.7, AAV16.8/hu.10, AAV16.12/hu.11, AAV29.3/bb.1, AAV29.5/bb.2, AAV106.1/hu.37, AAV114.3/hu.40, AAV127.2/hu.41, AAV127.5/hu.42, AAV128.3/hu.44, AAV130.4/hu.48, AAV145.1/hu.53, AAV145.5/hu.54, AAV145.6/hu.55, AAV161.10/hu.60, AAV161.6/hu.61, AAV33.12/hu.17, AAV33.4/hu.15, AAV33.8/hu.16, AAV52/hu.19, AAV52.1/hu.20, AAV58.2/hu.25, AAVA3.3, AAVA3.4, AAVA3.5, AAVA3.7, AAVC1, AAVC2, AAVC5, AAV-DJ, AAV-DJ8, AAVF3, AAVF5, AAVH2, AAVrh.72, AAVhu.8, AAVrh.68, AAVrh.70, AAVpi.1, AAVpi.3, AAVpi.2, AAVrh.60, AAVrh.44, AAVrh.65, AAVrh.55, AAVrh.47, AAVrh.69, AAVrh.45, AAVrh.59, AAVhu.12, AAVH6, AAVLK03, AAVH-1/hu.1, AAVH-5/hu.3, AAVLG-10/rh.40, AAVLG-4/rh.38, AAVLG-9/hu.39, AAVN721-8/rh.43, AAVCh.5, AAVCh.5R1, AAVcy.2, AAVcy.3, AAVcy.4, AAVcy.5, AAVCy.5R1, AAVCy.5R2, AAVCy.5R3, AAVCy.5R4, AAVcy.6, AAVhu.1, AAVhu.2, AAVhu.3, AAVhu.4, AAVhu.5, AAVhu.6, AAVhu.7, AAVhu.9, AAVhu.10, AAVhu.11, AAVhu.13, AAVhu.15, AAVhu.16, AAVhu.17, AAVhu.18, AAVhu.20, AAVhu.21, AAVhu.22, AAVhu.23.2, AAVhu.24, AAVhu.25, AAVhu.27, AAVhu.28, AAVhu.29, AAVhu.29R, AAVhu.31, AAVhu.32, AAVhu.34, AAVhu.35, AAVhu.37, AAVhu.39, AAVhu.40, AAVhu.41, AAVhu.42, AAVhu.43, AAVhu.44, AAVhu.44R1, AAVhu.44R2, AAVhu.44R3, AAVhu.45, AAVhu.46, AAVhu.47, AAVhu.48, AAVhu.48R1, AAVhu.48R2, AAVhu.48R3, AAVhu.49, AAVhu.51, AAVhu.52, AAVhu.54, AAVhu.55, AAVhu.56, AAVhu.57, AAVhu.58, AAVhu.60, AAVhu.61, AAVhu.63, AAVhu.64, AAVhu.66, AAVhu.67, AAVhu.14/9, AAVhu.t 19, AAVrh.2, AAVrh.2R, AAVrh.8, AAVrh.8R, AAVrh.10, AAVrh.12, AAVrh.13, AAVrh.13R, AAVrh.14, AAVrh.17, AAVrh.18, AAVrh.19, AAVrh.20, AAVrh.21, AAVrh.22, AAVrh.23, AAVrh.24, AAVrh.25, AAVrh.31, AAVrh.32, AAVrh.33, AAVrh.34, AAVrh.35, AAVrh.36, AAVrh.37, AAVrh.37R2, AAVrh.38, AAVrh.39, AAVrh.40, AAVrh.46, AAVrh.48, AAVrh.48.1, AAVrh.48.1.2, AAVrh.48.2, AAVrh.49, AAVrh.51, AAVrh.52, AAVrh.53, AAVrh.54, AAVrh.56, AAVrh.57, AAVrh.58, AAVrh.61, AAVrh.64, AAVrh.64R1, AAVrh.64R2, AAVrh.67, AAVrh.73, AAVrh.74, AAVrh8R, AAVrh8R A586R mutant, AAVrh8R R533A mutant, AAAV, BAAV, caprine AAV, bovine AAV, AAVhE1.1, AAVhEr1.5, AAVhER1.14, AAVhEr1.8, AAVhEr1.16, AAVhEr1.18, AAVhEr1.35, AAVhEr1.7, AAVhEr1.36, AAVhEr2.29, AAVhEr2.4, AAVhEr2.16, AAVhEr2.30, AAVhEr2.31, AAVhEr2.36, AAVhER1.23, AAVhEr3.1, AAV2.5T, AAV-PAEC, AAV-LK01, AAV-LK02, AAV-LK03, AAV-LK04, AAV-LK05, AAV-LK06, AAV-LK07, AAV-LK08, AAV-LK09, AAV-LK10, AAV-LK11, AAV-LK12, AAV-LK13, AAV-LK14, AAV-LK15, AAV-LK16, AAV-LK17, AAV-LK18, AAV-LK19, AAV-PAEC2, AAV-PAEC4, AAV-PAEC6, AAV-PAEC7, AAV-PAEC8, AAV-PAEC11, AAV-PAEC12, AAV-2-pre-miRNA-101, AAV-8h, AAV-8b, AAV-h, AAV-b, AAV SM 10-2, AAV Shuffle 100-1, AAV Shuffle 100-3, AAV Shuffle 100-7, AAV Shuffle 10-2, AAV Shuffle 10-6, AAV Shuffle 10-8, AAV Shuffle 100-2, AAV SM 10-1, AAV SM 10-8, AAV SM 100-3, AAV SM 100-10, BNP61 AAV, BNP62 AAV, BNP63 AAV, AAVrh.50, AAVrh.43, AAVrh.62, AAVrh.48, AAVhu.19, AAVhu.11, AAVhu.53, AAV4-8/rh.64, AAVLG-9/hu.39, AAV54.5/hu.23, AAV54.2/hu.22, AAV54.7/hu.24, AAV54.1/hu.21, AAV54.4R/hu.27, AAV46.2/hu.28, AAV46.6/hu.29, AAV128.1/hu.43, true type AAV (ttAAV), UPENN AAV 10, Japanese AAV 10 serotypes, AAV CBr-7.1, AAV CBr-7.10, AAV CBr-7.2, AAV CBr-7.3, AAV CBr-7.4, AAV CBr-7.5, AAV CBr-7.7, AAV CBr-7.8, AAV CBr-B7.3, AAV CBr-B7.4, AAV CBr-E1, AAV CBr-E2, AAV CBr-E3, AAV CBr-E4, AAV CBr-E5, AAV CBr-e5, AAV CBr-E6, AAV CBr-E7, AAV CBr-E8, AAV CHt-1, AAV CHt-2, AAV CHt-3, AAV CHt-6.1, AAV CHt-6.10, AAV CHt-6.5, AAV CHt-6.6, AAV CHt-6.7, AAV CHt-6.8, AAV CHt-P1, AAV CHt-P2, AAV CHt-P5, AAV CHt-P6, AAV CHt-P8, AAV CHt-P9, AAV CKd-1, AAV CKd-10, AAV CKd-2, AAV CKd-3, AAV CKd-4, AAV CKd-6, AAV CKd-7, AAV CKd-8, AAV CKd-B1, AAV CKd-B2, AAV CKd-B3, AAV CKd-B4, AAV CKd-B5, AAV CKd-B6, AAV CKd-B7, AAV CKd-B8, AAV CKd-H1, AAV CKd-H2, AAV CKd-H3, AAV CKd-H4, AAV CKd-H5, AAV CKd-H6, AAV CKd-N3, AAV CKd-N4, AAV CKd-N9, AAV CLg-F1, AAV CLg-F2, AAV CLg-F3, AAV CLg-F4, AAV CLg-F5, AAV CLg-F6, AAV CLg-F7, AAV CLg-F8, AAV CLv-1, AAV CLv1-1, AAV Clv1-10, AAV CLv1-2, AAV CLv-12, AAV CLv1-3, AAV CLv-13, AAV CLv1-4, AAV Clv1-7, AAV Clv1-8, AAV Clv1-9, AAV CLv-2, AAV CLv-3, AAV CLv-4, AAV CLv-6, AAV CLv-8, AAV CLv-D1, AAV CLv-D2, AAV CLv-D3, AAV CLv-D4, AAV CLv-D5, AAV CLv-D6, AAV CLv-D7, AAV CLv-D8, AAV CLv-E1, AAV CLv-K1, AAV CLv-K3, AAV CLv-K6, AAV CLv-L4, AAV CLv-L5, AAV CLv-L6, AAV CLv-M1, AAV CLv-M11, AAV CLv-M2, AAV CLv-M5, AAV CLv-M6, AAV CLv-M7, AAV CLv-M8, AAV CLv-M9, AAV CLv-R1, AAV CLv-R2, AAV CLv-R3, AAV CLv-R4, AAV CLv-R5, AAV CLv-R6, AAV CLv-R7, AAV CLv-R8, AAV CLv-R9, AAV CSp-1, AAV CSp-10, AAV CSp-11, AAV CSp-2, AAV CSp-3, AAV CSp-4, AAV CSp-6, AAV CSp-7, AAV CSp-8, AAV CSp-8.10, AAV CSp-8.2, AAV CSp-8.4, AAV CSp-8.5, AAV CSp-8.6, AAV CSp-8.7, AAV CSp-8.8, AAV CSp-8.9, AAV CSp-9, AAV.hu.48R3, AAV.VR-355, AAV3B, AAV4, AAV5, AAVF1/HSC1, AAVF11/HSC11, AAVF12/HSC12, AAVF13/HSC13, AAVF14/HSC14, AAVF15/HSC15, AAVF16/HSC16, AAVF17/HSC17, AAVF2/HSC2, AAVF3/HSC3, AAVF4/HSC4, AAVF5/HSC5, AAVF6/HSC6, AAVF7/HSC7, AAVF8/HSC8, AAVF9/HSC9, AAV-PHP.B, AAV-PHP.A, G2B-26, G2B-13, TH1.1-32, TH1.1-35, AAVPHP.B2, AAVPHP.B3, AAVPHP.N/PHP.B-DGT, AAVPHP.B-EST, AAVPHP.B-GGT, AAVPHP.B-ATP, AAVPHP.B-ATT-T, AAVPHP.B-DGT-T, AAVPHP.B-GGT-T, AAVPHP.B-SGS, AAVPHP.B-AQP, AAVPHP.B-QQP, AAVPHP.B-SNP(3), AAVPHP.B-SNP, AAVPHP.B-QGT, AAVPHP.B-NQT, AAVPHP.B-EGS, AAVPHP.B-SGN, AAVPHP.B-EGT, AAVPHP.B-DST, AAVPHP.B-DST, AAVPHP.B-STP, AAVPHP.B-PQP, AAVPHP.B-SQP, AAVPHP.B-QLP, AAVPHP.B-TMP, AAVPHP.B-TTP, AAVPHP.S/G2A12, AAVG2A15/G2A3, AAVG2B4, AAVG2B5 and variants thereof.

According to the present invention, siRNA duplexes or dsRNA targeting the SOD1 gene in ALS are selected from the siRNA duplexes listed in Table 4. Preferably, the siRNA duplexes or dsRNA targeting SOD1 gene in ALS are selected from the group consisting of siRNA duplexes: D-4000 to D-4025.

The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one siRNA duplex targeting the SOD1 gene and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In some aspects, a nucleic acid sequence encoding the siRNA duplex is inserted into an AAV vector.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for inhibiting/silencing SOD1 gene expression in a cell. Accordingly, the siRNA duplexes or dsRNA can be used to substantially inhibit SOD1 gene expression in a cell, in particular in a motor neuron. In some aspects, the inhibition of SOD1 gene expression refers to an inhibition by at least about 20%, preferably by at least about 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% and 100%. Accordingly, the protein product of the targeted gene may be inhibited by at least about 20%, preferably by at least about 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% and 100%. The SOD1 gene can be either a wild type gene or a mutated SOD1 gene with at least one mutation. Accordingly, the SOD1 protein is either wild type protein or a mutated polypeptide with at least one mutation.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for treating, or ameliorating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated with abnormal SOD1 gene and/or SOD1 protein in a subject in need of treatment, the method comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one siRNA duplex targeting the SOD1 gene, delivering said siRNA duplex into targeted cells, inhibiting SOD1 gene expression and protein production, and ameliorating symptoms of ALS in the subject.

In some embodiments, an AAV vector comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding at least one siRNA duplex targeting the SOD1 gene is administered to the subject in need for treating and/or ameliorating ALS. The AAV vector serotype may be selected from the group consisting of AAV1, AAV2, AAV2G9, AAV3, AAV3a, AAV3b, AAV3-3, AAV4, AAV4-4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV6.1, AAV6.2, AAV6.1.2, AAV7, AAV7.2, AAV8, AAV9, AAV9.11, AAV9.13, AAV9.16, AAV9.24, AAV9.45, AAV9.47, AAV9.61, AAV9.68, AAV9.84, AAV9.9, AAV10, AAV11, AAV12, AAV16.3, AAV24.1, AAV27.3, AAV42.12, AAV42-1b, AAV42-2, AAV42-3a, AAV42-3b, AAV42-4, AAV42-5a, AAV42-5b, AAV42-6b, AAV42-8, AAV42-10, AAV42-11, AAV42-12, AAV42-13, AAV42-15, AAV42-aa, AAV43-1, AAV43-12, AAV43-20, AAV43-21, AAV43-23, AAV43-25, AAV43-5, AAV44.1, AAV44.2, AAV44.5, AAV223.1, AAV223.2, AAV223.4, AAV223.5, AAV223.6, AAV223.7, AAV1-7/rh.48, AAV1-8/rh.49, AAV2-15/rh.62, AAV2-3/rh.61, AAV2-4/rh.50, AAV2-5/rh.51, AAV3.1/hu.6, AAV3.1/hu.9, AAV3-9/rh.52, AAV3-11/rh.53, AAV4-8/r11.64, AAV4-9/rh.54, AAV4-19/rh.55, AAV5-3/rh.57, AAV5-22/rh.58, AAV7.3/hu.7, AAV16.8/hu.10, AAV16.12/hu.11, AAV29.3/bb.1, AAV29.5/bb.2, AAV106.1/hu.37, AAV114.3/hu.40, AAV127.2/hu.41, AAV127.5/hu.42, AAV128.3/hu.44, AAV130.4/hu.48, AAV145.1/hu.53, AAV145.5/hu.54, AAV145.6/hu.55, AAV161.10/hu.60, AAV161.6/hu.61, AAV33.12/hu.17, AAV33.4/hu.15, AAV33.8/hu.16, AAV52/hu.19, AAV52.1/hu.20, AAV58.2/hu.25, AAVA3.3, AAVA3.4, AAVA3.5, AAVA3.7, AAVC1, AAVC2, AAVC5, AAV-DJ, AAV-DJ8, AAVF3, AAVF5, AAVH2, AAVrh.72, AAVhu.8, AAVrh.68, AAVrh.70, AAVpi.1, AAVpi.3, AAVpi.2, AAVrh.60, AAVrh.44, AAVrh.65, AAVrh.55, AAVrh.47, AAVrh.69, AAVrh.45, AAVrh.59, AAVhu.12, AAVH6, AAVLK03, AAVH-1/hu.1, AAVH-5/hu.3, AAVLG-10/rh.40, AAVLG-4/rh.38, AAVLG-9/hu.39, AAVN721-8/rh.43, AAVCh.5, AAVCh.5R1, AAVcy.2, AAVcy.3, AAVcy.4, AAVcy.5, AAVCy.5R1, AAVCy.5R2, AAVCy.5R3, AAVCy.5R4, AAVcy.6, AAVhu.1, AAVhu.2, AAVhu.3, AAVhu.4, AAVhu.5, AAVhu.6, AAVhu.7, AAVhu.9, AAVhu.10, AAVhu.11, AAVhu.13, AAVhu.15, AAVhu.16, AAVhu.17, AAVhu.18, AAVhu.20, AAVhu.21, AAVhu.22, AAVhu.23.2, AAVhu.24, AAVhu.25, AAVhu.27, AAVhu.28, AAVhu.29, AAVhu.29R, AAVhu.31, AAVhu.32, AAVhu.34, AAVhu.35, AAVhu.37, AAVhu.39, AAVhu.40, AAVhu.41, AAVhu.42, AAVhu.43, AAVhu.44, AAVhu.44R1, AAVhu.44R2, AAVhu.44R3, AAVhu.45, AAVhu.46, AAVhu.47, AAVhu.48, AAVhu.48R1, AAVhu.48R2, AAVhu.48R3, AAVhu.49, AAVhu.51, AAVhu.52, AAVhu.54, AAVhu.55, AAVhu.56, AAVhu.57, AAVhu.58, AAVhu.60, AAVhu.61, AAVhu.63, AAVhu.64, AAVhu.66, AAVhu.67, AAVhu.14/9, AAVhu.t 19, AAVrh.2, AAVrh.2R, AAVrh.8, AAVrh.8R, AAVrh.10, AAVrh.12, AAVrh.13, AAVrh.13R, AAVrh.14, AAVrh.17, AAVrh.18, AAVrh.19, AAVrh.20, AAVrh.21, AAVrh.22, AAVrh.23, AAVrh.24, AAVrh.25, AAVrh.31, AAVrh.32, AAVrh.33, AAVrh.34, AAVrh.35, AAVrh.36, AAVrh.37, AAVrh.37R2, AAVrh.38, AAVrh.39, AAVrh.40, AAVrh.46, AAVrh.48, AAVrh.48.1, AAVrh.48.1.2, AAVrh.48.2, AAVrh.49, AAVrh.51, AAVrh.52, AAVrh.53, AAVrh.54, AAVrh.56, AAVrh.57, AAVrh.58, AAVrh.61, AAVrh.64, AAVrh.64R1, AAVrh.64R2, AAVrh.67, AAVrh.73, AAVrh.74, AAVrh8R, AAVrh8R A586R mutant, AAVrh8R R533A mutant, AAAV, BAAV, caprine AAV, bovine AAV, AAVhE1.1, AAVhEr1.5, AAVhER1.14, AAVhEr1.8, AAVhEr1.16, AAVhEr1.18, AAVhEr1.35, AAVhEr1.7, AAVhEr1.36, AAVhEr2.29, AAVhEr2.4, AAVhEr2.16, AAVhEr2.30, AAVhEr2.31, AAVhEr2.36, AAVhER1.23, AAVhEr3.1, AAV2.5T, AAV-PAEC, AAV-LK01, AAV-LK02, AAV-LK03, AAV-LK04, AAV-LK05, AAV-LK06, AAV-LK07, AAV-LK08, AAV-LK09, AAV-LK10, AAV-LK11, AAV-LK12, AAV-LK13, AAV-LK14, AAV-LK15, AAV-LK16, AAV-LK17, AAV-LK18, AAV-LK19, AAV-PAEC2, AAV-PAEC4, AAV-PAEC6, AAV-PAEC7, AAV-PAEC8, AAV-PAEC11, AAV-PAEC12, AAV-2-pre-miRNA-101, AAV-8h, AAV-8b, AAV-h, AAV-b, AAV SM 10-2, AAV Shuffle 100-1, AAV Shuffle 100-3, AAV Shuffle 100-7, AAV Shuffle 10-2, AAV Shuffle 10-6, AAV Shuffle 10-8, AAV Shuffle 100-2, AAV SM 10-1, AAV SM 10-8, AAV SM 100-3, AAV SM 100-10, BNP61 AAV, BNP62 AAV, BNP63 AAV, AAVrh.50, AAVrh.43, AAVrh.62, AAVrh.48, AAVhu.19, AAVhu.11, AAVhu.53, AAV4-8/rh.64, AAVLG-9/hu.39, AAV54.5/hu.23, AAV54.2/hu.22, AAV54.7/hu.24, AAV54.1/hu.21, AAV54.4R/hu.27, AAV46.2/hu.28, AAV46.6/hu.29, AAV128.1/hu.43, true type AAV (ttAAV), UPENN AAV 10, Japanese AAV 10 serotypes, AAV CBr-7.1, AAV CBr-7.10, AAV CBr-7.2, AAV CBr-7.3, AAV CBr-7.4, AAV CBr-7.5, AAV CBr-7.7, AAV CBr-7.8, AAV CBr-B7.3, AAV CBr-B7.4, AAV CBr-E1, AAV CBr-E2, AAV CBr-E3, AAV CBr-E4, AAV CBr-E5, AAV CBr-e5, AAV CBr-E6, AAV CBr-E7, AAV CBr-E8, AAV CHt-1, AAV CHt-2, AAV CHt-3, AAV CHt-6.1, AAV CHt-6.10, AAV CHt-6.5, AAV CHt-6.6, AAV CHt-6.7, AAV CHt-6.8, AAV CHt-P1, AAV CHt-P2, AAV CHt-P5, AAV CHt-P6, AAV CHt-P8, AAV CHt-P9, AAV CKd-1, AAV CKd-10, AAV CKd-2, AAV CKd-3, AAV CKd-4, AAV CKd-6, AAV CKd-7, AAV CKd-8, AAV CKd-B1, AAV CKd-B2, AAV CKd-B3, AAV CKd-B4, AAV CKd-B5, AAV CKd-B6, AAV CKd-B7, AAV CKd-B8, AAV CKd-H1, AAV CKd-H2, AAV CKd-H3, AAV CKd-H4, AAV CKd-H5, AAV CKd-H6, AAV CKd-N3, AAV CKd-N4, AAV CKd-N9, AAV CLg-F1, AAV CLg-F2, AAV CLg-F3, AAV CLg-F4, AAV CLg-F5, AAV CLg-F6, AAV CLg-F7, AAV CLg-F8, AAV CLv-1, AAV CLv1-1, AAV Clv1-10, AAV CLv1-2, AAV CLv-12, AAV CLv1-3, AAV CLv-13, AAV CLv1-4, AAV Clv1-7, AAV Cly1-8, AAV Clv1-9, AAV CLv-2, AAV CLv-3, AAV CLv-4, AAV CLv-6, AAV CLv-8, AAV CLv-D1, AAV CLv-D2, AAV CLv-D3, AAV CLv-D4, AAV CLv-D5, AAV CLv-D6, AAV CLv-D7, AAV CLv-D8, AAV CLv-E1, AAV CLv-K1, AAV CLv-K3, AAV CLv-K6, AAV CLv-L4, AAV CLv-L5, AAV CLv-L6, AAV CLv-M1, AAV CLv-M11, AAV CLv-M2, AAV CLv-M5, AAV CLv-M6, AAV CLv-M7, AAV CLv-M8, AAV CLv-M9, AAV CLv-R1, AAV CLv-R2, AAV CLv-R3, AAV CLv-R4, AAV CLv-R5, AAV CLv-R6, AAV CLv-R7, AAV CLv-R8, AAV CLv-R9, AAV CSp-1, AAV CSp-10, AAV CSp-11, AAV CSp-2, AAV CSp-3, AAV CSp-4, AAV CSp-6, AAV CSp-7, AAV CSp-8, AAV CSp-8.10, AAV CSp-8.2, AAV CSp-8.4, AAV CSp-8.5, AAV CSp-8.6, AAV CSp-8.7, AAV CSp-8.8, AAV CSp-8.9, AAV CSp-9, AAV.hu.48R3, AAV.VR-355, AAV3B, AAV4, AAV5, AAVF1/HSC1, AAVF11/HSC11, AAVF12/HSC12, AAVF13/HSC13, AAVF14/HSC14, AAVF15/HSC15, AAVF16/HSC16, AAVF17/HSC17, AAVF2/HSC2, AAVF3/HSC3, AAVF4/HSC4, AAVF5/HSC5, AAVF6/HSC6, AAVF7/HSC7, AAVF8/HSC8, AAVF9/HSC9, AAV-PHP.B, AAV-PHP.A, G2B-26, G2B-13, TH1.1-32, TH1.1-35, AAVPHP.B2, AAVPHP.B3, AAVPHP.N/PHP.B-DGT, AAVPHP.B-EST, AAVPHP.B-GGT, AAVPHP.B-ATP, AAVPHP.B-ATT-T, AAVPHP.B-DGT-T, AAVPHP.B-GGT-T, AAVPHP.B-SGS, AAVPHP.B-AQP, AAVPHP.B-QQP, AAVPHP.B-SNP(3), AAVPHP.B-SNP, AAVPHP.B-QGT, AAVPHP.B-NQT, AAVPHP.B-EGS, AAVPHP.B-SGN, AAVPHP.B-EGT, AAVPHP.B-DST, AAVPHP.B-DST, AAVPHP.B-STP, AAVPHP.B-PQP, AAVPHP.B-SQP, AAVPHP.B-QLP, AAVPHP.B-TMP, AAVPHP.B-TTP, AAVPHP.S/G2A12, AAVG2A15/G2A3, AAVG2B4, AAVG2B5 and variants thereof.

In some aspects, ALS is familial ALS linked to SOD1 mutations. In other aspects, ALS is sporadic ALS which is characterized by abnormal aggregation of SOD1 protein or disruption of SOD1 protein function or localization, though not necessarily as a result of genetic mutation. The symptoms of ALS ameliorated by the present method may include motor neuron degeneration, muscle weakness, stiffness of muscles, slurred speech and/or difficulty in breathing.

In some embodiments, the siRNA duplexes or dsRNA targeting SOD1 gene or the AAV vectors comprising such siRNA-encoding molecules may be introduced directly into the central nervous system of the subject, for example, by intracranial injection.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is used as a solo therapy. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is used in combination therapy. The combination therapy may be in combination with one or more neuroprotective agents such as small molecule compounds, growth factors and hormones which have been tested for their neuroprotective effect on motor neuron degeneration.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for treating, or ameliorating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a plasmid or AAV vector described herein. The ALS may be familial ALS or sporadic ALS.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for treating, or ameliorating canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) by administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a plasmid or AAV vector described herein.

In some embodiment, the present invention provides methods for treating, or ameliorating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by administering to a subject in need thereof, a therapeutically effective amount of a plasmid or AAV vector described herein to reduce the levels of neurofilament light chain (NF-L) in a subject.

In some embodiment, the present invention provides methods for treating, or ameliorating canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) by administering to a subject in need thereof, a therapeutically effective amount of a plasmid or AAV vector described herein to reduce the levels of neurofilament light chain (NF-L) in a subject.

In some embodiment, the present invention provides methods for reducing the level of neurofilament light chain (NF-L) in a subject by administering to a subject in need thereof, a therapeutically effective amount of a plasmid or AAV vector described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a calibration curve for NF-L for the Quanterix Simoa hNF-L (Beta) assay.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show the stability of NF-L in CSF of normal dogs. FIG. 2A shows the stability of NF-L in pg/ml and FIG. 2B shows the stability as a percent of the −80° C. control.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show the stability of NF-L in blood serum of normal dogs. FIG. 3A shows the stability of NF-L in pg/ml and FIG. 3B shows the stability as a percent of the −80° C. control.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are histograms showing NF-L levels in DM dogs. FIG. 4A shows the NF-L levels in CSF and FIG. 4B shows the NF-L levels in serum.

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C are histograms showing pNF-H levels in DM dogs. FIG. 5A shows the pNF-H level is increased in the CSF of DM-dogs. FIG. 5B shows that pNF-H level in the CSF does not correlate with disease severity. FIG. 5C shows that pNF-H in the CSF is specific to DM.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to SOD1 targeting polynucleotides as therapeutic agents. RNA interfering mediated gene silencing can specifically inhibit gene expression. The present invention therefore provides polynucleotides such as small double stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules (small interfering RNA, siRNA), shRNA, microRNA and precursors thereof targeting SOD1 gene, pharmaceutical compositions encompassing such polynucleotides, as well as processes of their design. The present invention also provides methods of their use for inhibiting SOD1 gene express and protein production, for treating neurodegenerative disease, in particular, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying description below. Although any materials and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred materials and methods are now described. Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description. In the description, the singular forms also include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In the case of conflict, the present description will control.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and SOD1

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder, is a progressive and fatal disease characterized by the selective death of motor neurons in the motor cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. Patients diagnosed with ALS develop a progressive muscle phenotype characterized by spasticity, hyperreflexia or hyporeflexia, fasciculations, muscle atrophy and paralysis. These motor impairments are caused by the de-innervation of muscles due to the loss of motor neurons. The major pathological features of ALS include degeneration of the corticospinal tracts and extensive loss of lower motor neurons (LMNs) or anterior horn cells (Ghatak et al., J Neuropathol Exp Neurol., 1986, 45, 385-395), degeneration and loss of Betz cells and other pyramidal cells in the primary motor cortex (Udaka et al., Acta Neuropathol, 1986, 70, 289-295; Maekawa et al., Brain, 2004, 127, 1237-1251) and reactive gliosis in the motor cortex and spinal cord (Kawamata et al., Am J Pathol., 1992, 140, 691-707; and Schiffer et al., J Neurol Sci., 1996, 139, 27-33). ALS is usually fatal within 3 to 5 years after the diagnosis due to respiratory defects and/or inflammation (Rowland L P and Shneibder N A, N Engl. J. Med., 2001, 344, 1688-1700).

A cellular hallmark of ALS is the presence of proteinaceous, ubiquitinated, cytoplasmic inclusions in degenerating motor neurons and surrounding cells (e.g., astrocytes). Ubiquitinated inclusions (i.e., Lewy body-like inclusions or Skein-like inclusions) are the most common and specific type of inclusion in ALS and are found in LMNs of the spinal cord and brainstem, and in corticospinal upper motor neurons (UMNs) (Matsumoto et al., J Neurol Sci., 1993, 115, 208-213; and Sasak and Maruyama, Acta Neuropathol., 1994, 87, 578-585). A few proteins have been identified to be components of the inclusions, including ubiquitin, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), peripherin and Dorfin. Neurofilamentous inclusions are often found in hyaline conglomerate inclusions (HCIs) and axonal ‘spheroids’ in spinal cord motor neurons in ALS. Other types and less specific inclusions include Bunina bodies (cystatin C-containing inclusions) and Crescent shaped inclusions (SCIs) in upper layers of the cortex. Other neuropathological features seen in ALS include fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus, mitochondrial vacuolization and ultrastructural abnormalities of synaptic terminals (Fujita et al., Acta Neuropathol. 2002, 103, 243-247).

In addition, in frontotemporal dementia ALS (FTD-ALS), cortical atrophy (including the frontal and temporal lobes) is also observed, which may cause cognitive impairment in FTD-ALS patients.

ALS is a complex and multifactorial disease and multiple mechanisms hypothesized as responsible for ALS pathogenesis include dysfunction of protein degradation, glutamate excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, protein misfolding and aggregation, aberrant RNA metabolism, and altered gene expression.

About 10% of ALS cases have family history of the disease, and these patients are referred to as familial ALS (fALS) or inherited patients, commonly with a Mendelian dominant mode of inheritance and high penetrance. The remainder (approximately 90%-95%) is classified as sporadic ALS (sALS), as they are not associated with a documented family history, which is thought to be due to other risk factors, including environmental factors, genetic polymorphisms, somatic mutations, and possibly gene-environmental interactions. In most cases, familiar (or inherited) ALS is inherited as autosomal dominant disease, but pedigrees with autosomal recessive and X-linked inheritance and incomplete penetrance exist. Sporadic and familial forms are clinically indistinguishable suggesting a common pathogenesis. The precise cause of the selective death of motor neurons in ALS remains elusive. Progress in understanding the genetic factors in fALS may shed light on both forms of the disease.

Recently, an explosion to genetic causes of ALS has discovered mutations in more than 10 different genes that are known to cause fALS. The most common ones are found in the genes encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1; ˜20%) (Rosen D R et al., Nature, 1993, 362, 59-62), fused in sarcoma/translated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS; 1-5%) and TDP-43 (TARDBP; 1-5%). Recently, a hexanucleotide repeat expansion (GGGGCC)_(n) in the C9orF72 gene was identified as the most frequent cause of fALS (˜40%) in the Western population (reviewed by Renton et al., Nat. Neurosci., 2014, 17, 17-23). Other genes mutated in ALS include alsin (ALS2), senataxin (SETX), vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAPB), angiogenin (ANG). fALS genes control different cellular mechanisms, suggesting that the pathogenesis of ALS is complicated and may be related to several different processes finally leading to motor neuron degeneration.

SOD1 is one of the three human superoxide dismutases identified and characterized in mammals: copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD or SOD1), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD or SOD2), and extracellular superoxide dismutase (ECSOD or SOD3). SOD1 is a 32 kDa homodimer of a 153-residue polypeptide with one copper- and one zinc-binding site per subunit, which is encoded by SOD1 gene (NCBI Reference Sequence NM_000454.4; SEQ ID NO: 1) on human chromosome 21 (see Table 10). SOD1 catalyzes the reaction of superoxide anion (O²⁻) into molecular oxygen (O₂) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) at a bound copper ion. The intracellular concentration of SOD1 is high (ranging from 10 to 100 μM), counting for 1% of the total protein content in central nervous system (CNS). The protein is localized not only in the cytoplasm but also in nucleus, lysosomes, peroxisomes, and mitochondrial intermembrane spaces in eukaryotic cells (Lindenau J et al., Glia, 2000, 29, 25-34).

Mutations in SOD1 gene are carried by 15-20% of fALS patients and by 1-2% of all ALS cases. Currently, at least 170 different mutations distributed throughout the 153-amino acid SOD1 polypeptide have been found to cause ALS, and an updated list can be found at the ALS online Genetic Database (ALSOD) (Wroe R et al., Amyotroph Lateral Scler., 2008, 9, 249-250). Table 1 lists some examples of mutations in SOD1 in ALS. These mutations are predominantly single amino acid substitutions (i.e. missense mutations) although deletions, insertions, and C-terminal truncations also occur. Different SOD1 mutations display different geographic distribution patterns. For instance, about half of all Americans with ALS caused by SOD1 gene mutations have a particular mutation Ala4Val (or A4V). The A4V mutation is typically associated with more severe signs and symptoms. The 1113T mutation is by far the most common mutation in the United Kingdom. The most prevalent mutation in Europe is D90A substitute.

TABLE 1 Examples of SOD1 mutations in ALS Mutations Exon1 Q22L; E21K, G; F20C; N19S; G16A, S; V14M, S; G12R; (220 bp) G10G, V, R; L8Q, V; V7E; C6G, F; V5L; A4T, V, S Exon2 T54R; E49K; H48R, Q; V47F, A; H46R; F45C; H43R; (97 bp) G41S, D; G37R; V29, insA Exon3 D76Y, V; G72S, C; L67R; P66A; N65S; S59I, S (70 bp) Exon4 D124G, V; V118L, InsAAAAC; L117V; T116T; R115G; (118 bp) G114A; I113T, F; I112M, T; G108V; L106V, F; S106L, delTCACTC; I104F; D101G, Y, H, N; E100G, K; I99V; V97L, M; D96N, V; A95T, V; G93S, V, A, C, R, D; D90V, A; A89T, V; T88delACTGCTGAC; V87A, M; N86I, S, D, K; G85R, S; L84V, F; H80R Exon5 I151T, S; I149T; V148I, G; G147D, R; C146R, stop; (461 bp) A145T, G; L144F, S; G141E, stop; A140A, G; N139D, K, H, N; G138E; T137R; S134N; E133V, delGAA, insTT; E132insTT; G127R, InsTGGG; L126S, delITT, stop; D126, delTT

To investigate the mechanism of neuronal death associated with SOD1 gene defects, several rodent models of SOD1-linked ALS were developed in the art, which express the human SOD1 gene with different mutations, including missense mutations, small deletions or insertions. Some examples of ALS mouse models include SOD1^(G93A), SOD1^(A4V), SOD1^(G37R), SOD1^(G85R), SOD1^(D90A), SOD1^(L84V), SOD1^(I113T), SOD1^(H36R/H48Q), SOD1^(G127X), SOD1^(L126X) and SOD1^(L126delTT) There are two transgene rat models carrying two different human SOD1 mutations: SOD1^(H46R) and SOD1^(G93R). These rodent ALS models can develop muscle weakness similar to human ALS patients and other pathogenic features that reflect several characteristics of the human disease, in particular, the selective death of spinal motor neurons, aggregation of protein inclusions in motor neurons and microglial activation. It is well known in the art that the transgenic rodents are good models of human SOD1-associated ALS disease and provide models for studying disease pathogenesis and developing disease treatment.

Studies in animal and cellular models showed that SOD1 pathogenic variants cause ALS by gain of function. That is to say, the superoxide dismutase enzyme gains new but harmful properties when altered by SOD1 mutations. For example, some SOD1 mutated variants in ALS increase oxidative stress (e.g., increased accumulation of toxic superoxide radicals) by disrupting redox cycle. Other studies also indicate that some SOD1 mutated variants in ALS might acquire toxic properties that are independent of its normal physiological function (such as abnormal aggregation of misfolded SOD1 variants. In the aberrant redox chemistry model, mutant SOD1 is unstable and through aberrant chemistry interacts with nonconventional substrates causing reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction. In the protein toxicity model, unstable, misfolded SOD1 aggregates into cytoplasmic inclusion bodies, sequestering proteins crucial for cellular processes. These two hypotheses are not mutually exclusive. It has been shown that oxidation of selected histidine residues that bind metals in the active site mediates SOD1 aggregation.

The aggregated mutant SOD1 protein may also induce mitochondrial dysfunction (Vehvilainen P et al., Front Cell Neurosci., 2014, 8, 126), impairment of axonal transport, aberrant RNA metabolism, glial cell pathology and glutamate excitotoxicity. In some sporadic ALS cases, misfolded wild-type SOD1 protein is found in diseased motor neurons which forms “toxic conformation” that is similar to familiar ALS-linked SOD1 variants (Rotunno M S and Bosco D A, Front Cell Neurosci., 2013, 16, 7, 253). Such evidence suggests that ALS is a protein folding disease analogous to other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Currently, no curative treatments are available for patients suffering from ALS. The only FDA approved drug Riluzole (also called Rilutek), an inhibitor of glutamate release, has a moderate effect on ALS, only extending survival by 2-3 months if it is taken for 18 months. Unfortunately, patients taking riluzole do not experience any slowing in disease progression or improvement in muscle function. Therefore, riluzole does not present a cure, or even an effective treatment. Researchers continue to search for better therapeutic agents.

One approach to inhibit abnormal SOD1 protein aggregation is to silence/inhibit SOD1 gene expression in ALS. It has been reported that small interfering RNAs for specific gene silencing of the mutated allele is therapeutically beneficial for the treatment of fALS (e.g., Ralgh G S et al., Nat. Medicine, 2005, 11(4), 429-433; and Raoul C et al., Nat. Medicine, 2005, 11(4), 423-428; and Maxwell M M et al., PNAS, 2004, 101(9), 3178-3183; and Ding H et al., Chinese Medical J., 2011, 124(1), 106-110; and Scharz D S et al., Plos Genet., 2006, 2(9), e140; the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

Many other RNA therapeutic agents that target SOD1 gene and modulate SOD1 expression in ALS are taught in the art, such RNA based agents include antisense oligonucleotides and double stranded small interfering RNAs. See, e.g., Wang H et al., J Biol. Chem., 2008, 283(23), 15845-15852); U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,498,316; 7,632,938; 7,678,895; 7,951,784; 7,977,314; 8,183,219; 8,309,533 and 8, 586, 554; and U.S. Patent publication Nos. 2006/0229268 and 2011/0263680; the content of each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present invention employs viral vectors such as adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors to deliver siRNA duplexes or SOD1 targeting polynucleotides into cells with high efficiency. The AAV vectors comprising RNAi molecules, e.g., siRNA molecules of the present invention may increase the delivery of active agents into motor neurons. SOD1 targeting polynucleotides may be able to inhibit SOD1 gene expression (e.g., mRNA level) significantly inside cells; therefore, ameliorating SOD1 expression induced stress inside the cells such as aggregation of protein and formation of inclusions, increased free radicals, mitochondrial dysfunction and RNA metabolism.

Such SOD1 targeting polynucleotides inhibition may be used for treating ALS. According to the present invention, methods for treating and/or ameliorating ALS in a patient comprises administering to the patient an effective amount of at least one SOD1 targeting polynucleotides encoding one or more siRNA duplexes into cells and allowing the inhibition/silence of SOD1 gene expression, are provided.

Compositions of the Invention

Vectors

In some embodiments, the siRNA molecules described herein can be inserted into, or encoded by, vectors such as plasmids or viral vectors. Preferably, the siRNA molecules are inserted into, or encoded by, viral vectors.

Viral vectors may be Herpesvirus (HSV) vectors, retroviral vectors, adenoviral vectors, adeno-associated viral vectors, lentiviral vectors, and the like. In some specific embodiments, the viral vectors are AAV vectors.

Retroviral Vectors

In some embodiments, the siRNA duplex targeting SOD1 gene may be encoded by a retroviral vector (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,399,346; 5,124,263; 4,650,764 and 4,980,289; the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

Adenoviral Vectors

Adenoviruses are eukaryotic DNA viruses that can be modified to efficiently deliver a nucleic acid to a variety of cell types in vivo, and have been used extensively in gene therapy protocols, including for targeting genes to neural cells. Various replication defective adenovirus and minimum adenovirus vectors have been described for nucleic acid therapeutics (See, e.g., PCT Patent Publication Nos. WO199426914, WO 199502697, WO199428152, WO199412649, WO199502697 and WO199622378; the content of each of which is incorporated by reference in their entirety). Such adenoviral vectors may also be used to deliver siRNA molecules of the present invention to cells.

Adeno-Associated Viral (AAV) Vectors

An AAV is a dependent parvovirus. Like other parvoviruses, AAV is a single stranded, non-enveloped DNA virus, having a genome of about 5000 nucleotides in length containing two open reading frames that encode the proteins responsible for replication (Rep) and the structural protein of the capsid (Cap). The open reading frames are flanked by two Inverted Terminal Repeat (ITR) sequences, which serve as the origin of replication of viral genome. Furthermore, the AAV genome contains a packaging sequence, allowing packaging of the viral genome into an AAV capsid. The AAV vector requires co-helper (e.g., adenovirus) to undergo a productive infection in infected cells. In the absence of such helper functions, the AAV virions essentially enter host cells and integrate into cells' genome.

AAV vectors have been investigated for siRNA delivery because of its several unique features. These features include (i) ability to infect both dividing and non-dividing cells; (ii) a broad host range for infectivity, including human cells; (iii) wild-type AAV has never been associated with any disease and cannot replicate in infected cells; (iv) lack of cell-mediated immune response against the vector and (v) ability to integrate into a host chromosome or persist episomally, thereby creating potential for long-term expression. Moreover, infection with AAV vectors has minimal influence on changing the pattern of cellular gene expression (Stilwell and Samulski et al., Biotechniques, 2003, 34, 148).

Typically, AAV vectors for siRNA delivery may be recombinant viral vectors which are replication defective because of lacking sequences encoding functional Rep and Cap proteins in viral genome. In some cases, the defective AAV vectors may lack most of all coding sequences and essentially only contains one or two AAV ITR sequences and a packaging sequence.

AAV vectors may also comprise self-complementary AAV vectors (scAAVs). scAAV vectors contain both DNA strands which anneal together to form double stranded DNA. By skipping second strand synthesis, scAAVs allow for rapid expression in the cell.

Methods for producing/modifying AAV vectors are disclosed in the art such as pseudotyped AAV vectors (PCT Patent Publication Nos. WO200028004; WO200123001; WO2004112727; WO 2005005610 and WO 2005072364, the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

AAV vectors for delivering siRNA molecules into mammalian cells, may be prepared or derived from various serotypes of AAVs, including, but not limited to, AAV1, AAV2, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAV9.47, AAV9(hu14), AAV10, AAV11, AAV12, AAVrh8, AAVrh10, AAV-DJ8 and AAV-DJ. In some cases, different serotypes of AAVs may be mixed together or with other types of viruses to produce chimeric AAV vectors.

AAV vectors for siRNA delivery may be modified to enhance the efficiency of delivery. Such modified AAV vectors containing the siRNA expression cassette can be packaged efficiently and can be used to infect successfully the target cells at high frequency and with minimal toxicity.

In some embodiments, the AAV vector for delivering siRNA duplexes of the present invention may be a human serotype AAV vector. Such human AAV vector may be derived from any known serotype, e.g., from any one of serotypes AAV1-AAV11. As non-limiting examples, AAV vectors may be vectors comprising an AAV1-derived genome in an AAV1-derived capsid; vectors comprising an AAV2-derived genome in an AAV2-derived genome; vectors comprising an AAV4-derived genome in an AAV4 derived capsid; vectors comprising an AAV6-derived genome in an AAV6 derived capsid or vectors comprising an AAV9-derived genome in an AAV9 derived capsid.

In other embodiments, the AAV vector for delivering siRNA duplexes of the present invention may be a pseudotyped AAV vector which contains sequences and/or components originating from at least two different AAV serotypes. Pseudotyped AAV vectors may be vectors comprising an AAV genome derived from one AAV serotype and a Capsid protein derived at least in part from a different AAV serotype. As non-limiting examples, such pseudotyped AAV vectors may be vectors comprising an AAV2-derived genome in an AAV1-derived capsid; or vectors comprising an AAV2-derived genome in an AAV6-derived capsid; or vectors comprising an AAV2-derived genome in an AAV4-derived capsid; or an AAV2-derived genome in an AAV9-derived capsid.

In other embodiments, AAV vectors may be used for delivering siRNA molecules to the central nervous system (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,180,613; the content of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety).

In some aspects, the AAV vector for delivering siRNA duplexes of the present invention may further comprise a modified capsid including peptides from non-viral origin. In other aspects, the AAV vector may contain a CNS specific chimeric capsid to facilitate the delivery of siRNA duplexes into the brain and the spinal cord. For example, an alignment of cap nucleotide sequences from AAV variants exhibiting CNS tropism may be constructed to identify variable region (VR) sequence and structure.

Viral Genome

In one embodiment, as shown in an AAV particle comprises a viral genome with a payload region.

Viral Genome Size

In one embodiment, the viral genome which comprises a payload described herein, may be single stranded or double stranded viral genome. The size of the viral genome may be small, medium, large or the maximum size. Additionally, the viral genome may comprise a promoter and a polyA tail.

In one embodiment, the viral genome which comprises a payload described herein, may be a small single stranded viral genome. A small single stranded viral genome may be 2.7 to 3.5 kb in size such as about 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, and 3.5 kb in size. As a non-limiting example, the small single stranded viral genome may be 3.2 kb in size. Additionally, the viral genome may comprise a promoter and a polyA tail.

In one embodiment, the viral genome which comprises a payload described herein, may be a small double stranded viral genome. A small double stranded viral genome may be 1.3 to 1.7 kb in size such as about 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.7 kb in size. As a non-limiting example, the small double stranded viral genome may be 1.6 kb in size. Additionally, the viral genome may comprise a promoter and a polyA tail.

In one embodiment, the viral genome which comprises a payload described herein, may a medium single stranded viral genome. A medium single stranded viral genome may be 3.6 to 4.3 kb in size such as about 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 kb in size. As a non-limiting example, the medium single stranded viral genome may be 4.0 kb in size. Additionally, the viral genome may comprise a promoter and a polyA tail.

In one embodiment, the viral genome which comprises a payload described herein, may be a medium double stranded viral genome. A medium double stranded viral genome may be 1.8 to 2.1 kb in size such as about 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, and 2.1 kb in size. As a non-limiting example, the medium double stranded viral genome may be 2.0 kb in size. Additionally, the viral genome may comprise a promoter and a polyA tail.

In one embodiment, the viral genome which comprises a payload described herein, may be a large single stranded viral genome. A large single stranded viral genome may be 4.4 to 6.0 kb in size such as about 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 and 6.0 kb in size. As a non-limiting example, the large single stranded viral genome may be 4.7 kb in size. As another non-limiting example, the large single stranded viral genome may be 4.8 kb in size. As yet another non-limiting example, the large single stranded viral genome may be 6.0 kb in size. Additionally, the viral genome may comprise a promoter and a polyA tail.

In one embodiment, the viral genome which comprises a payload described herein, may be a large double stranded viral genome. A large double stranded viral genome may be 2.2 to 3.0 kb in size such as about 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9 and 3.0 kb in size. As a non-limiting example, the large double stranded viral genome may be 2.4 kb in size. Additionally, the viral genome may comprise a promoter and a polyA tail.

Viral Genome Component: Inverted Terminal Repeats (ITRs)

The AAV particles of the present invention comprise a viral genome with at least one ITR region and a payload region. In one embodiment the viral genome has two ITRs. These two ITRs flank the payload region at the 5′ and 3′ ends. The ITRs function as origins of replication comprising recognition sites for replication. ITRs comprise sequence regions which can be complementary and symmetrically arranged. ITRs incorporated into viral genomes of the invention may be comprised of naturally occurring polynucleotide sequences or recombinantly derived polynucleotide sequences.

The ITRs may be derived from the same serotype as the capsid, selected from any of the serotypes herein, or a derivative thereof. The ITR may be of a different serotype from the capsid. In one embodiment the AAV particle has more than one ITR. In a non-limiting example, the AAV particle has a viral genome comprising two ITRs. In one embodiment the ITRs are of the same serotype as one another. In another embodiment the ITRs are of different serotypes. Non-limiting examples include zero, one or both of the ITRs having the same serotype as the capsid. In one embodiment both ITRs of the viral genome of the AAV particle are AAV2 ITRs.

Independently, each ITR may be about 100 to about 150 nucleotides in length. An ITR may be about 100-105 nucleotides in length, 106-110 nucleotides in length, 111-115 nucleotides in length, 116-120 nucleotides in length, 121-125 nucleotides in length, 126-130 nucleotides in length, 131-135 nucleotides in length, 136-140 nucleotides in length, 141-145 nucleotides in length or 146-150 nucleotides in length. In one embodiment the ITRs are 140-142 nucleotides in length. Non-limiting examples of ITR length are 102, 140, 141, 142, 145 nucleotides in length, and those having at least 95% identity thereto.

In one embodiment, the AAV particle comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an siRNA molecule which may be located near the 5′ end of the flip ITR in an expression vector. In another embodiment, the AAV particle comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an siRNA molecule may be located near the 3′ end of the flip ITR in an expression vector. In yet another embodiment, the AAV particle comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an siRNA molecule may be located near the 5′ end of the flop ITR in an expression vector. In yet another embodiment, the AAV particle comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an siRNA molecule may be located near the 3′ end of the flop ITR in an expression vector. In one embodiment, the AAV particle comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an siRNA molecule may be located between the 5′ end of the flip ITR and the 3′ end of the flop ITR in an expression vector. In one embodiment, the AAV particle comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an siRNA molecule may be located between (e.g., half-way between the 5′ end of the flip ITR and 3′ end of the flop ITR or the 3′ end of the flop ITR and the 5′ end of the flip ITR), the 3′ end of the flip ITR and the 5′ end of the flip ITR in an expression vector. As a non-limiting example, the AAV particle comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an siRNA molecule may be located within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or more than 30 nucleotides downstream from the 5′ or 3′ end of an ITR (e.g., Flip or Flop ITR) in an expression vector. As a non-limiting example, the AAV particle comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an siRNA molecule may be located within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or more than 30 nucleotides upstream from the 5′ or 3′ end of an ITR (e.g., Flip or Flop ITR) in an expression vector. As another non-limiting example, the AAV particle comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an siRNA molecule may be located within 1-5, 1-10, 1-15, 1-20, 1-25, 1-30, 5-10, 5-15, 5-20, 5-25, 5-30, 10-15, 10-20, 10-25, 10-30, 15-20, 15-25, 15-30, 20-25, 20-30 or 25-30 nucleotides downstream from the 5′ or 3′ end of an ITR (e.g., Flip or Flop ITR) in an expression vector. As another non-limiting example, the AAV particle comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an siRNA molecule may be located within 1-5, 1-10, 1-15, 1-20, 1-25, 1-30, 5-10, 5-15, 5-20, 5-25, 5-30, 10-15, 10-20, 10-25, 10-30, 15-20, 15-25, 15-30, 20-25, 20-30 or 25-30 upstream from the 5′ or 3′ end of an ITR (e.g., Flip or Flop ITR) in an expression vector. As a non-limiting example, the AAV particle comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an siRNA molecule may be located within the first 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% or more than 25% of the nucleotides upstream from the 5′ or 3′ end of an ITR (e.g., Flip or Flop ITR) in an expression vector. As another non-limiting example, the AAV particle comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an siRNA molecule may be located with the first 1-5%, 1-10%, 1-15%, 1-20%, 1-25%, 5-10%, 5-15%, 5-20%, 5-25%, 10-15%, 10-20%, 10-25%, 15-20%, 15-25%, or 20-25% downstream from the 5′ or 3′ end of an ITR (e.g., Flip or Flop ITR) in an expression vector.

Viral Genome Component: Promoters

In one embodiment, the payload region of the viral genome comprises at least one element to enhance the transgene target specificity and expression (See e.g., Powell et al. Viral Expression Cassette Elements to Enhance Transgene Target Specificity and Expression in Gene Therapy, 2015; the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). Non-limiting examples of elements to enhance the transgene target specificity and expression include promoters, endogenous miRNAs, post-transcriptional regulatory elements (PREs), polyadenylation (PolyA) signal sequences and upstream enhancers (USEs), CMV enhancers and introns.

A person skilled in the art may recognize that expression of the polypeptides of the invention in a target cell may require a specific promoter, including but not limited to, a promoter that is species specific, inducible, tissue-specific, or cell cycle-specific (Parr et al., Nat. Med. 3:1145-9 (1997); the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

In one embodiment, the promoter is deemed to be efficient when it drives expression of the polypeptide(s) encoded in the payload region of the viral genome of the AAV particle.

In one embodiment, the promoter is a promoter deemed to be efficient to drive the expression of the modulatory polynucleotide.

In one embodiment, the promoter is a promoter deemed to be efficient when it drives expression in the cell being targeted.

In one embodiment, the promoter drives expression of the payload for a period of time in targeted tissues. Expression driven by a promoter may be for a period of 1 hour, 2, hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, 11 hours, 12 hours, 13 hours, 14 hours, 15 hours, 16 hours, 17 hours, 18 hours, 19 hours, 20 hours, 21 hours, 22 hours, 23 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 1 week, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, 12 days, 13 days, 2 weeks, 15 days, 16 days, 17 days, 18 days, 19 days, 20 days, 3 weeks, 22 days, 23 days, 24 days, 25 days, 26 days, 27 days, 28 days, 29 days, 30 days, 31 days, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months, 10 months, 11 months, 1 year, 13 months, 14 months, 15 months, 16 months, 17 months, 18 months, 19 months, 20 months, 21 months, 22 months, 23 months, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, 6 years, 7 years, 8 years, 9 years, 10 years or more than 10 years. Expression may be for 1-5 hours, 1-12 hours, 1-2 days, 1-5 days, 1-2 weeks, 1-3 weeks, 1-4 weeks, 1-2 months, 1-4 months, 1-6 months, 2-6 months, 3-6 months, 3-9 months, 4-8 months, 6-12 months, 1-2 years, 1-5 years, 2-5 years, 3-6 years, 3-8 years, 4-8 years or 5-10 years.

In one embodiment, the promoter drives expression of the payload for at least 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months, 10 months, 11 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years 4 years, 5 years, 6 years, 7 years, 8 years, 9 years, 10 years, 11 years, 12 years, 13 years, 14 years, 15 years, 16 years, 17 years, 18 years, 19 years, 20 years, 21 years, 22 years, 23 years, 24 years, 25 years, 26 years, 27 years, 28 years, 29 years, 30 years, 31 years, 32 years, 33 years, 34 years, 35 years, 36 years, 37 years, 38 years, 39 years, 40 years, 41 years, 42 years, 43 years, 44 years, 45 years, 46 years, 47 years, 48 years, 49 years, 50 years, 55 years, 60 years, 65 years, or more than 65 years.

Promoters may be naturally occurring or non-naturally occurring. Non-limiting examples of promoters include viral promoters, plant promoters and mammalian promoters. In some embodiments, the promoters may be human promoters. In some embodiments, the promoter may be truncated.

Promoters which drive or promote expression in most tissues include, but are not limited to, human elongation factor 1α-subunit (EF1α), cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate-early enhancer and/or promoter, chicken β-actin (CBA) and its derivative CAG, β glucuronidase (GUSB), or ubiquitin C (UBC). Tissue-specific expression elements can be used to restrict expression to certain cell types such as, but not limited to, muscle specific promoters, B cell promoters, monocyte promoters, leukocyte promoters, macrophage promoters, pancreatic acinar cell promoters, endothelial cell promoters, lung tissue promoters, astrocyte promoters, or nervous system promoters which can be used to restrict expression to neurons, astrocytes, or oligodendrocytes.

Non-limiting examples of muscle-specific promoters include mammalian muscle creatine kinase (MCK) promoter, mammalian desmin (DES) promoter, mammalian troponin I (TNNI2) promoter, and mammalian skeletal alpha-actin (ASKA) promoter (see, e.g. U.S. Patent Publication US 20110212529, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety)

Non-limiting examples of tissue-specific expression elements for neurons include neuron-specific enolase (NSE), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), platelet-derived growth factor B-chain (PDGF-β), synapsin (Syn), methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2), Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2), neurofilament light (NFL) or heavy (NFH), β-globin minigene nβ2, preproenkephalin (PPE), enkephalin (Enk) and excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) promoters. Non-limiting examples of tissue-specific expression elements for astrocytes include glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and EAAT2 promoters. A non-limiting example of a tissue-specific expression element for oligodendrocytes includes the myelin basic protein (MBP) promoter.

In one embodiment, the promoter may be less than 1 kb. The promoter may have a length of 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660, 670, 680, 690, 700, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 770, 780, 790, 800 or more than 800 nucleotides. The promoter may have a length between 200-300, 200-400, 200-500, 200-600, 200-700, 200-800, 300-400, 300-500, 300-600, 300-700, 300-800, 400-500, 400-600, 400-700, 400-800, 500-600, 500-700, 500-800, 600-700, 600-800 or 700-800.

In one embodiment, the promoter may be a combination of two or more components of the same or different starting or parental promoters such as, but not limited to, CMV and CBA. Each component may have a length of 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660, 670, 680, 690, 700, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 770, 780, 790, 800 or more than 800. Each component may have a length between 200-300, 200-400, 200-500, 200-600, 200-700, 200-800, 300-400, 300-500, 300-600, 300-700, 300-800, 400-500, 400-600, 400-700, 400-800, 500-600, 500-700, 500-800, 600-700, 600-800 or 700-800. In one embodiment, the promoter is a combination of a 382 nucleotide CMV-enhancer sequence and a 260 nucleotide CBA-promoter sequence.

In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a ubiquitous promoter. Non-limiting examples of ubiquitous promoters include CMV, CBA (including derivatives CAG, CBh, etc.), EF-1α, PGK, UBC, GUSB (hGBp), and UCOE (promoter of HNRPA2B1-CBX3).

Yu et al. (Molecular Pain 2011, 7:63; the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety) evaluated the expression of eGFP under the CAG, EF1α, PGK and UBC promoters in rat DRG cells and primary DRG cells using lentiviral vectors and found that UBC showed weaker expression than the other 3 promoters and only 10-12% glial expression was seen for all promoters. Soderblom et al. (E. Neuro 2015; the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety) evaluated the expression of eGFP in AAV8 with CMV and UBC promoters and AAV2 with the CMV promoter after injection in the motor cortex. Intranasal administration of a plasmid containing a UBC or EF1α promoter showed a sustained airway expression greater than the expression with the CMV promoter (See e.g., Gill et al., Gene Therapy 2001, Vol. 8, 1539-1546; the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety). Husain et al. (Gene Therapy 2009; the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety) evaluated an HβH construct with a hGUSB promoter, an HSV-1LAT promoter and an NSE promoter and found that the HβH construct showed weaker expression than NSE in mouse brain. Passini and Wolfe (J. Virol. 2001, 12382-12392, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety) evaluated the long-term effects of the HβH vector following an intraventricular injection in neonatal mice and found that there was sustained expression for at least 1 year. Low expression in all brain regions was found by Xu et al. (Gene Therapy 2001, 8, 1323-1332; the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety) when NFL and NFH promoters were used as compared to the CMV-lacZ, CMV-luc, EF, GFAP, hENK, nAChR, PPE, PPE+wpre, NSE (0.3 kb), NSE (1.8 kb) and NSE (1.8 kb+wpre). Xu et al. found that the promoter activity in descending order was NSE (1.8 kb), EF, NSE (0.3 kb), GFAP, CMV, hENK, PPE, NFL and NFH. NFL is a 650-nucleotide promoter and NFH is a 920 nucleotide promoter which are both absent in the liver but NFH is abundant in the sensory proprioceptive neurons, brain and spinal cord and NFH is present in the heart. Scn8a is a 470 nucleotide promoter which expresses throughout the DRG, spinal cord and brain with particularly high expression seen in the hippocampal neurons and cerebellar Purkinje cells, cortex, thalamus and hypothalamus (See e.g., Drews et al. Identification of evolutionary conserved, functional noncoding elements in the promoter region of the sodium channel gene SCN8A, Mamm Genome (2007) 18:723-731; and Raymond et al. Expression of Alternatively Spliced Sodium Channel α-subunit genes, Journal of Biological Chemistry (2004) 279(44) 46234-46241; the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties).

Any of promoters taught by the aforementioned Yu, Soderblom, Gill, Husain, Passini, Xu, Drews or Raymond may be used in the present inventions.

In one embodiment, the promoter is not cell specific.

In one embodiment, the promoter is a ubiquitin c (UBC) promoter. The UBC promoter may have a size of 300-350 nucleotides. As a non-limiting example, the UBC promoter is 332 nucleotides.

In one embodiment, the promoter is a β-glucuronidase (GUSB) promoter. The GUSB promoter may have a size of 350-400 nucleotides. As a non-limiting example, the GUSB promoter is 378 nucleotides.

In one embodiment, the promoter is a neurofilament light (NFL) promoter. The NFL promoter may have a size of 600-700 nucleotides. As a non-limiting example, the NFL promoter is 650 nucleotides. As a non-limiting example, the construct may be AAV-promoter-CMV/globin intron-modulatory polynucleotide-RBG, where the AAV may be self-complementary and the AAV may be the DJ serotype.

In one embodiment, the promoter is a neurofilament heavy (NFH) promoter. The NFH promoter may have a size of 900-950 nucleotides. As a non-limiting example, the NFH promoter is 920 nucleotides. As a non-limiting example, the construct may be AAV-promoter-CMV/globin intron-modulatory polynucleotide-RBG, where the AAV may be self-complementary and the AAV may be the DJ serotype.

In one embodiment, the promoter is a scn8a promoter. The scn8a promoter may have a size of 450-500 nucleotides. As a non-limiting example, the scn8a promoter is 470 nucleotides. As a non-limiting example, the construct may be AAV-promoter-CMV/globin intron-modulatory polynucleotide-RBG, where the AAV may be self-complementary and the AAV may be the DJ serotype

In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a Pol III promoter.

In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a P1 promoter.

In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a FXN promoter.

In one embodiment, the promoter is a phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK) promoter.

In one embodiment, the promoter is a chicken β-actin (CBA) promoter.

In one embodiment, the promoter is a CAG promoter which is a construct comprising the cytomegalovirus (CMV) enhancer fused to the chicken beta-actin (CBA) promoter.

In one embodiment, the promoter is a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter.

In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a H1 promoter.

In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a U6 promoter.

In one embodiment, the promoter is a liver or a skeletal muscle promoter. Non-limiting examples of liver promoters include human α-1-antitrypsin (hAAT) and thyroxine binding globulin (TBG). Non-limiting examples of skeletal muscle promoters include Desmin, MCK or synthetic C5-12.

In one embodiment, the promoter is an RNA pol III promoter. As a non-limiting example, the RNA pol III promoter is U6. As a non-limiting example, the RNA pol III promoter is H1.

In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises two promoters. As a non-limiting example, the promoters are an EF1α promoter and a CMV promoter.

In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises an enhancer element, a promoter and/or a 5′UTR intron. The enhancer element, also referred to herein as an “enhancer,” may be, but is not limited to, a CMV enhancer, the promoter may be, but is not limited to, a CMV, CBA, UBC, GUSB, NSE, Synapsin, MeCP2, and GFAP promoter and the 5′UTR/intron may be, but is not limited to, SV40, and CBA-MVM. As a non-limiting example, the enhancer, promoter and/or intron used in combination may be: (1) CMV enhancer, CMV promoter, SV40 5′UTR intron; (2) CMV enhancer, CBA promoter, SV 40 5′UTR intron; (3) CMV enhancer, CBA promoter, CBA-MVM 5′UTR intron; (4) UBC promoter; (5) GUSB promoter; (6) NSE promoter; (7) Synapsin promoter; (8) MeCP2 promoter, (9) GFAP promoter, (10) H1 promoter; and (11) U6 promoter.

In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises an engineered promoter.

In another embodiment the viral genome comprises a promoter from a naturally expressed protein.

Viral Genome Component: Untranslated Regions (UTRs)

By definition, wild type untranslated regions (UTRs) of a gene are transcribed but not translated. Generally, the 5′ UTR starts at the transcription start site and ends at the start codon and the 3′ UTR starts immediately following the stop codon and continues until the termination signal for transcription.

Features typically found in abundantly expressed genes of specific target organs may be engineered into UTRs to enhance the stability and protein production. As a non-limiting example, a 5′ UTR from mRNA normally expressed in the liver (e.g., albumin, serum amyloid A, Apolipoprotein A/B/E, transferrin, alpha fetoprotein, erythropoietin, or Factor VIII) may be used in the viral genomes of the AAV particles of the invention to enhance expression in hepatic cell lines or liver.

While not wishing to be bound by theory, wild-type 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs) include features which play roles in translation initiation. Kozak sequences, which are commonly known to be involved in the process by which the ribosome initiates translation of many genes, are usually included in 5′ UTRs. Kozak sequences have the consensus CCR(A/G)CCAUGG, where R is a purine (adenine or guanine) three bases upstream of the start codon (ATG), which is followed by another ‘G’.

In one embodiment, the 5′UTR in the viral genome includes a Kozak sequence.

In one embodiment, the 5′UTR in the viral genome does not include a Kozak sequence.

While not wishing to be bound by theory, wild-type 3′ UTRs are known to have stretches of Adenosines and Uridines embedded therein. These AU rich signatures are particularly prevalent in genes with high rates of turnover. Based on their sequence features and functional properties, the AU rich elements (AREs) can be separated into three classes (Chen et al, 1995, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety): Class I AREs, such as, but not limited to, c-Myc and MyoD, contain several dispersed copies of an AUUUA motif within U-rich regions. Class II AREs, such as, but not limited to, GM-CSF and TNF-a, possess two or more overlapping UUAUUUA(U/A)(U/A) nonamers. Class III ARES, such as, but not limited to, c-Jun and Myogenin, are less well defined. These U rich regions do not contain an AUUUA motif. Most proteins binding to the AREs are known to destabilize the messenger, whereas members of the ELAV family, most notably HuR, have been documented to increase the stability of mRNA. HuR binds to AREs of all the three classes. Engineering the HuR specific binding sites into the 3′ UTR of nucleic acid molecules will lead to HuR binding and thus, stabilization of the message in vivo.

Introduction, removal or modification of 3′ UTR AU rich elements (AREs) can be used to modulate the stability of polynucleotides. When engineering specific polynucleotides, e.g., payload regions of viral genomes, one or more copies of an ARE can be introduced to make polynucleotides less stable and thereby curtail translation and decrease production of the resultant protein. Likewise, AREs can be identified and removed or mutated to increase the intracellular stability and thus increase translation and production of the resultant protein.

In one embodiment, the 3′ UTR of the viral genome may include an oligo(dT) sequence for templated addition of a poly-A tail.

In one embodiment, the viral genome may include at least one miRNA seed, binding site or full sequence. microRNAs (or miRNA or miR) are 19-25 nucleotide noncoding RNAs that bind to the sites of nucleic acid targets and down-regulate gene expression either by reducing nucleic acid molecule stability or by inhibiting translation. A microRNA sequence comprises a “seed” region, i.e., a sequence in the region of positions 2-8 of the mature microRNA, which sequence has perfect Watson-Crick complementarity to the miRNA target sequence of the nucleic acid.

In one embodiment, the viral genome may be engineered to include, alter or remove at least one miRNA binding site, sequence or seed region.

Any UTR from any gene known in the art may be incorporated into the viral genome of the AAV particle. These UTRs, or portions thereof, may be placed in the same orientation as in the gene from which they were selected, or they may be altered in orientation or location. In one embodiment, the UTR used in the viral genome of the AAV particle may be inverted, shortened, lengthened, made with one or more other 5′ UTRs or 3′ UTRs known in the art. As used herein, the term “altered” as it relates to a UTR, means that the UTR has been changed in some way in relation to a reference sequence. For example, a 3′ or 5′ UTR may be altered relative to a wild type or native UTR by the change in orientation or location as taught above or may be altered by the inclusion of additional nucleotides, deletion of nucleotides, swapping or transposition of nucleotides.

In one embodiment, the viral genome of the AAV particle comprises at least one artificial UTRs which is not a variant of a wild type UTR.

In one embodiment, the viral genome of the AAV particle comprises UTRs which have been selected from a family of transcripts whose proteins share a common function, structure, feature or property.

Viral Genome Component: Polyadenylation Sequence

In one embodiment, the viral genome of the AAV particles of the present invention comprise at least one polyadenylation sequence. The viral genome of the AAV particle may comprise a polyadenylation sequence between the 3′ end of the payload coding sequence and the 5′ end of the 3′ ITR.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence or “polyA sequence” may range from absent to about 500 nucleotides in length. The polyadenylation sequence may be, but is not limited to, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, 499, and 500 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 50-100 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 50-150 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 50-160 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 50-200 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 60-100 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 60-150 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 60-160 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 60-200 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 70-100 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 70-150 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 70-160 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 70-200 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 80-100 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 80-150 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 80-160 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 80-200 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 90-100 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 90-150 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 90-160 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the polyadenylation sequence is 90-200 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the AAV particle comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an siRNA molecule may be located upstream of the polyadenylation sequence in an expression vector. Further, the AAV particle comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an siRNA molecule may be located downstream of a promoter such as, but not limited to, CMV, U6, CAG, CBA or a CBA promoter with a SV40 intron or a human beta globin intron in an expression vector. As a non-limiting example, the AAV particle comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an siRNA molecule may be located within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or more than 30 nucleotides downstream from the promoter and/or upstream of the polyadenylation sequence in an expression vector. As another non-limiting example, the AAV particle comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an siRNA molecule may be located within 1-5, 1-10, 1-15, 1-20, 1-25, 1-30, 5-10, 5-15, 5-20, 5-25, 5-30, 10-15, 10-20, 10-25, 10-30, 15-20, 15-25, 15-30, 20-25, 20-30 or 25-30 nucleotides downstream from the promoter and/or upstream of the polyadenylation sequence in an expression vector. As a non-limiting example, the AAV particle comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an siRNA molecule may be located within the first 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% or more than 25% of the nucleotides downstream from the promoter and/or upstream of the polyadenylation sequence in an expression vector. As another non-limiting example, the AAV particle comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an siRNA molecule may be located with the first 1-5%, 1-10%, 1-15%, 1-20%, 1-25%, 5-10%, 5-15%, 5-20%, 5-25%, 10-15%, 10-20%, 10-25%, 15-20%, 15-25%, or 20-25% downstream from the promoter and/or upstream of the polyadenylation sequence in an expression vector.

In one embodiment, the AAV particle comprises a rabbit globin polyadenylation (polyA) signal sequence.

In one embodiment, the AAV particle comprises a human growth hormone polyadenylation (polyA) signal sequence.

Viral Genome Component: Introns

In one embodiment, the payload region comprises at least one element to enhance the expression such as one or more introns or portions thereof. Non-limiting examples of introns include, MVM (67-97 bps), F.IX truncated intron 1 (300 bps), β-globin SD/immunoglobulin heavy chain splice acceptor (250 bps), adenovirus splice donor/immunoglobin splice acceptor (500 bps), SV40 late splice donor/splice acceptor (19S/16S) (180 bps) and hybrid adenovirus splice donor/IgG splice acceptor (230 bps).

In one embodiment, the intron or intron portion may be 100-500 nucleotides in length. The intron may have a length of 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490 or 500. The intron may have a length between 80-100, 80-120, 80-140, 80-160, 80-180, 80-200, 80-250, 80-300, 80-350, 80-400, 80-450, 80-500, 200-300, 200-400, 200-500, 300-400, 300-500, or 400-500.

In one embodiment, the AAV viral genome may comprise a promoter such as, but not limited to, CMV or U6. As a non-limiting example, the promoter for the AAV comprising the nucleic acid sequence for the siRNA molecules of the present invention is a CMV promoter. As another non-limiting example, the promoter for the AAV comprising the nucleic acid sequence for the siRNA molecules of the present invention is a U6 promoter.

In one embodiment, the AAV viral genome may comprise a CMV promoter.

In one embodiment, the AAV viral genome may comprise a U6 promoter.

In one embodiment, the AAV viral genome may comprise a CMV and a U6 promoter.

In one embodiment, the AAV viral genome may comprise a H1 promoter.

In one embodiment, the AAV viral genome may comprise a CBA promoter.

In one embodiment, the encoded siRNA molecule may be located downstream of a promoter in an expression vector such as, but not limited to, CMV, U6, H1, CBA, CAG, or a CBA promoter with an intron such as SV40 or others known in the art. Further, the encoded siRNA molecule may also be located upstream of the polyadenylation sequence in an expression vector. As a non-limiting example, the encoded siRNA molecule may be located within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or more than 30 nucleotides downstream from the promoter and/or upstream of the polyadenylation sequence in an expression vector. As another non-limiting example, the encoded siRNA molecule may be located within 1-5, 1-10, 1-15, 1-20, 1-25, 1-30, 5-10, 5-15, 5-20, 5-25, 5-30, 10-15, 10-20, 10-25, 10-30, 15-20, 15-25, 15-30, 20-25, 20-30 or 25-30 nucleotides downstream from the promoter and/or upstream of the polyadenylation sequence in an expression vector. As a non-limiting example, the encoded siRNA molecule may be located within the first 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% or more than 25% of the nucleotides downstream from the promoter and/or upstream of the polyadenylation sequence in an expression vector. As another non-limiting example, the encoded siRNA molecule may be located with the first 1-5%, 1-10%, 1-15%, 1-20%, 1-25%, 5-10%, 5-15%, 5-20%, 5-25%, 10-15%, 10-20%, 10-25%, 15-20%, 15-25%, or 20-25% downstream from the promoter and/or upstream of the polyadenylation sequence in an expression vector.

Viral Genome Component: Filler Sequence

In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises one or more filler sequences.

In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises one or more filler sequences in order to have the length of the viral genome be the optimal size for packaging. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises at least one filler sequence in order to have the length of the viral genome be about 2.3 kb. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises at least one filler sequence in order to have the length of the viral genome be about 4.6 kb.

In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises one or more filler sequences in order to reduce the likelihood that a hairpin structure of the vector genome (e.g., a modulatory polynucleotide described herein) may be read as an inverted terminal repeat (ITR) during expression and/or packaging. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises at least one filler sequence in order to have the length of the viral genome be about 2.3 kb. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises at least one filler sequence in order to have the length of the viral genome be about 4.6 kb.

In one embodiment, the viral genome is a single stranded (ss) viral genome and comprises one or more filler sequences which have a length about between 0.1 kb-3.8 kb, such as, but not limited to, 0.1 kb, 0.2 kb, 0.3 kb, 0.4 kb, 0.5 kb, 0.6 kb, 0.7 kb, 0.8 kb, 0.9 kb, 1 kb, 1.1 kb, 1.2 kb, 1.3 kb, 1.4 kb, 1.5 kb, 1.6 kb, 1.7 kb, 1.8 kb, 1.9 kb, 2 kb, 2.1 kb, 2.2 kb, 2.3 kb, 2.4 kb, 2.5 kb, 2.6 kb, 2.7 kb, 2.8 kb, 2.9 kb, 3 kb, 3.1 kb, 3.2 kb, 3.3 kb, 3.4 kb, 3.5 kb, 3.6 kb, 3.7 kb, or 3.8 kb. As a non-limiting example, the total length filler sequence in the vector genome is 3.1 kb. As a non-limiting example, the total length filler sequence in the vector genome is 2.7 kb. As a non-limiting example, the total length filler sequence in the vector genome is 0.8 kb. As a non-limiting example, the total length filler sequence in the vector genome is 0.4 kb. As a non-limiting example, the length of each filler sequence in the vector genome is 0.8 kb. As a non-limiting example, the length of each filler sequence in the vector genome is 0.4 kb.

In one embodiment, the viral genome is a self-complementary (sc) viral genome and comprises one or more filler sequences which have a length about between 0.1 kb-1.5 kb, such as, but not limited to, 0.1 kb, 0.2 kb, 0.3 kb, 0.4 kb, 0.5 kb, 0.6 kb, 0.7 kb, 0.8 kb, 0.9 kb, 1 kb, 1.1 kb, 1.2 kb, 1.3 kb, 1.4 kb, or 1.5 kb. As a non-limiting example, the total length filler sequence in the vector genome is 0.8 kb. As a non-limiting example, the total length filler sequence in the vector genome is 0.4 kb. As a non-limiting example, the length of each filler sequence in the vector genome is 0.8 kb. As a non-limiting example, the length of each filler sequence in the vector genome is 0.4 kb.

In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises any portion of a filler sequence. The viral genome may comprise 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% of a filler sequence.

In one embodiment, the viral genome is a single stranded (ss) viral genome and comprises one or more filler sequences in order to have the length of the viral genome be about 4.6 kb. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises at least one filler sequence and the filler sequence is located 3′ to the 5′ ITR sequence. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises at least one filler sequence and the filler sequence is located 5′ to a promoter sequence. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises at least one filler sequence and the filler sequence is located 3′ to the polyadenylation signal sequence. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises at least one filler sequence and the filler sequence is located 5′ to the 3′ ITR sequence. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises at least one filler sequence, and the filler sequence is located between two intron sequences. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises at least one filler sequence, and the filler sequence is located within an intron sequence. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises two filler sequences, and the first filler sequence is located 3′ to the 5′ ITR sequence and the second filler sequence is located 3′ to the polyadenylation signal sequence. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises two filler sequences, and the first filler sequence is located 5′ to a promoter sequence and the second filler sequence is located 3′ to the polyadenylation signal sequence. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises two filler sequences, and the first filler sequence is located 3′ to the 5′ ITR sequence and the second filler sequence is located 5′ to the 5′ ITR sequence.

In one embodiment, the viral genome is a self-complementary (sc) viral genome and comprises one or more filler sequences in order to have the length of the viral genome be about 2.3 kb. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises at least one filler sequence and the filler sequence is located 3′ to the 5′ ITR sequence. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises at least one filler sequence and the filler sequence is located 5′ to a promoter sequence. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises at least one filler sequence and the filler sequence is located 3′ to the polyadenylation signal sequence. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises at least one filler sequence and the filler sequence is located 5′ to the 3′ ITR sequence. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises at least one filler sequence, and the filler sequence is located between two intron sequences. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises at least one filler sequence, and the filler sequence is located within an intron sequence. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises two filler sequences, and the first filler sequence is located 3′ to the 5′ ITR sequence and the second filler sequence is located 3′ to the polyadenylation signal sequence. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises two filler sequences, and the first filler sequence is located 5′ to a promoter sequence and the second filler sequence is located 3′ to the polyadenylation signal sequence. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises two filler sequences, and the first filler sequence is located 3′ to the 5′ ITR sequence and the second filler sequence is located 5′ to the 5′ ITR sequence.

In one embodiment, the viral genome may comprise one or more filler sequences between one of more regions of the viral genome. In one embodiment, the filler region may be located before a region such as, but not limited to, a payload region, an inverted terminal repeat (ITR), a promoter region, an intron region, an enhancer region, a polyadenylation signal sequence region, and/or an exon region. In one embodiment, the filler region may be located after a region such as, but not limited to, a payload region, an inverted terminal repeat (ITR), a promoter region, an intron region, an enhancer region, a polyadenylation signal sequence region, and/or an exon region. In one embodiment, the filler region may be located before and after a region such as, but not limited to, a payload region, an inverted terminal repeat (ITR), a promoter region, an intron region, an enhancer region, a polyadenylation signal sequence region, and/or an exon region.

In one embodiment, the viral genome may comprise one or more filler sequences which bifurcates at least one region of the viral genome. The bifurcated region of the viral genome may comprise 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% of the of the region to the 5′ of the filler sequence region. As a non-limiting example, the filler sequence may bifurcate at least one region so that 10% of the region is located 5′ to the filler sequence and 90% of the region is located 3′ to the filler sequence. As a non-limiting example, the filler sequence may bifurcate at least one region so that 20% of the region is located 5′ to the filler sequence and 80% of the region is located 3′ to the filler sequence. As a non-limiting example, the filler sequence may bifurcate at least one region so that 30% of the region is located 5′ to the filler sequence and 70% of the region is located 3′ to the filler sequence. As a non-limiting example, the filler sequence may bifurcate at least one region so that 40% of the region is located 5′ to the filler sequence and 60% of the region is located 3′ to the filler sequence. As a non-limiting example, the filler sequence may bifurcate at least one region so that 50% of the region is located 5′ to the filler sequence and 50% of the region is located 3′ to the filler sequence. As a non-limiting example, the filler sequence may bifurcate at least one region so that 60% of the region is located 5′ to the filler sequence and 40% of the region is located 3′ to the filler sequence. As a non-limiting example, the filler sequence may bifurcate at least one region so that 70% of the region is located 5′ to the filler sequence and 30% of the region is located 3′ to the filler sequence. As a non-limiting example, the filler sequence may bifurcate at least one region so that 80% of the region is located 5′ to the filler sequence and 20% of the region is located 3′ to the filler sequence. As a non-limiting example, the filler sequence may bifurcate at least one region so that 90% of the region is located 5′ to the filler sequence and 10% of the region is located 3′ to the filler sequence.

In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a filler sequence after the 5′ ITR.

In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a filler sequence after the promoter region. In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a filler sequence after the payload region. In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a filler sequence after the intron region. In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a filler sequence after the enhancer region. In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a filler sequence after the polyadenylation signal sequence region. In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a filler sequence after the exon region.

In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a filler sequence before the promoter region. In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a filler sequence before the payload region. In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a filler sequence before the intron region. In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a filler sequence before the enhancer region. In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a filler sequence before the polyadenylation signal sequence region. In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a filler sequence before the exon region.

In one embodiment, the viral genome comprises a filler sequence before the 3′ ITR.

In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the 5′ ITR and the promoter region. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the 5′ ITR and the payload region. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the 5′ ITR and the intron region. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the 5′ ITR and the enhancer region. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the 5′ ITR and the polyadenylation signal sequence region.

In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the 5′ ITR and the exon region.

In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the promoter region and the payload region. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the promoter region and the intron region. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the promoter region and the enhancer region. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the promoter region and the polyadenylation signal sequence region. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the promoter region and the exon region. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the promoter region and the 3′ ITR.

In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the payload region and the intron region. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the payload region and the enhancer region. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the payload region and the polyadenylation signal sequence region. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the payload region and the exon region.

In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the payload region and the 3′ ITR.

In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the intron region and the enhancer region. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the intron region and the polyadenylation signal sequence region. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the intron region and the exon region. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the intron region and the 3′ ITR. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the enhancer region and the polyadenylation signal sequence region. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the enhancer region and the exon region. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the enhancer region and the 3′ ITR.

In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the polyadenylation signal sequence region and the exon region. In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the polyadenylation signal sequence region and the 3′ ITR.

In one embodiment, a filler sequence may be located between two regions, such as, but not limited to, the exon region and the 3′ ITR.

Payloads of the Invention

The AAV particles of the present disclosure comprise at least one payload region. As used herein, “payload” or “payload region” refers to one or more polynucleotides or polynucleotide regions encoded by or within a viral genome or an expression product of such polynucleotide or polynucleotide region, e.g., a transgene, a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide or multi-polypeptide or a modulatory nucleic acid or regulatory nucleic acid. Payloads of the present invention typically encode modulatory polynucleotides or fragments or variants thereof.

The payload region may be constructed in such a way as to reflect a region similar to or mirroring the natural organization of an mRNA.

The payload region may comprise a combination of coding and non-coding nucleic acid sequences.

In some embodiments, the AAV payload region may encode a coding or non-coding RNA.

In one embodiment, the AAV particle comprises a viral genome with a payload region comprising nucleic acid sequences encoding a siRNA, miRNA or other RNAi agent. In such an embodiment, a viral genome encoding more than one polypeptide may be replicated and packaged into a viral particle. A target cell transduced with a viral particle may express the encoded siRNA, miRNA or other RNAi agent inside a single cell.

Modulatory Polynucleotides

In one embodiment, modulatory polynucleotides, e.g., RNA or DNA molecules, may be used to treat neurodegenerative disease, in particular, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). As used herein, a “modulatory polynucleotide” is any nucleic acid sequence(s) which functions to modulate (either increase or decrease) the level or amount of a target gene, e.g., mRNA or protein levels.

In one embodiment, the modulatory polynucleotides may comprise at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding at least one siRNA molecule. The nucleic acids may, independently if there is more than one, encode 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or more than 9 siRNA molecules.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may be located downstream of a CMV promoter, fragment or variant thereof.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may be located downstream of a CBA promoter, fragment or variant thereof.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may be a natural pri-miRNA scaffold located downstream of a CMV promoter. As a non-limiting example, the natural pri-miRNA scaffold is derived from the human miR155 scaffold.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may be a natural pri-miRNA scaffold located downstream of a CBA promoter.

In one embodiment, the selection of a molecular scaffold and modulatory polynucleotide is determined by a method of comparing modulatory polynucleotides in pri-miRNA (see e.g., the method described by Miniarikova et al. Design, Characterization, and Lead Selection of Therapeutic miRNAs Targeting Huntingtin for Development of Gene Therapy for Huntington's Disease. Molecular Therapy-Nucleic Acids (2016) 5, e297 and International Publication No. WO2016102664; the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties). To evaluate the activities of the modulatory polynucleotides, the molecular scaffold used which may be used is a human pri-miRNA scaffold (e.g., miR155 scaffold) and the promoter may be CMV. The activity may be determined in vitro using HEK293T cells and a reporter (e.g., Luciferase).

In order to evaluate the optimal molecular scaffold for the modulatory polynucleotide, the modulatory polynucleotide is used in pri-miRNA scaffolds with a CAG promoter. The constructs are co-transfected with a reporter (e.g., luciferase reporter) at 50 ng. Constructs with greater than 80% knockdown at 50 ng co-transfection are considered efficient. In one aspect, the constructs with strong guide-strand activity are preferred. The molecular scaffolds can be processed in HEK293T cells by NGS to determine guide-passenger ratios, and processing variability.

To evaluate the molecular scaffolds and modulatory polynucleotides in vivo the molecular scaffolds comprising the modulatory polynucleotides are packaged in AAV (e.g., the serotype may be AAV5 (see e.g., the method and constructs described in WO2015060722, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety)) and administered to an in vivo model and the guide-passenger ratios, 5′ and 3′ end processing, ratio of guide to passenger strands, and knockdown can be determined in different areas of the model (e.g., tissue regions).

In one embodiment, the selection of a molecular scaffold and modulatory polynucleotide is determined by a method of comparing modulatory polynucleotides in natural pri-miRNA and synthetic pri-miRNA. The modulatory polynucleotide may, but it not limited to, targeting an exon other than exon 1. To evaluate the activities of the modulatory polynucleotides, the molecular scaffold is used with a CBA promoter. In one aspect, the activity may be determined in vitro using HEK293T cells, HeLa cell and a reporter (e.g., Luciferase) and knockdown efficient modulatory polynucleotides showed SOD1 knockdown of at least 80% in the cell tested. Additionally, the modulatory polynucleotides which are considered most efficient showed low to no significant passenger strand (p-strand) activity. In another aspect, the endogenous SOD1 knockdown efficacy is evaluated by transfection in vitro using HEK293T cells, HeLa cell and a reporter. Efficient modulatory polynucleotides show greater than 50% endogenous SOD1 knockdown. In yet another aspect, the endogenous SOD1 knockdown efficacy is evaluated in different cell types (e.g., HEK293, HeLa, primary astrocytes, U251 astrocytes, SH-SY5Y neuron cells and fibroblasts from ALS patients) by infection (e.g., AAV2). Efficient modulatory polynucleotides show greater than 60% endogenous SOD1 knockdown.

To evaluate the molecular scaffolds and modulatory polynucleotides in vivo the molecular scaffolds comprising the modulatory polynucleotides are packaged in AAV and administered to an in vivo model and the guide-passenger ratios, 5′ and 3′ end processing, ratio of guide to passenger strands, and knockdown can be determined in different areas of the model (e.g., tissue regions). The molecular scaffolds can be processed from in vivo samples by NGS to determine guide-passenger ratios, and processing variability.

In one embodiment, the modulatory polynucleotide is designed using at least one of the following properties: loop variant, seed mismatch/bulge/wobble variant, stem mismatch, loop variant and vassal stem mismatch variant, seed mismatch and basal stem mismatch variant, stem mismatch and basal stem mismatch variant, seed wobble and basal stem wobble variant, or a stem sequence variant.

The present invention relates, in part, to RNA interfering (RNAi) induced inhibition of gene expression for treating neurodegenerative disorders. Provided are siRNA duplexes or dsRNA that target SOD1 gene. Such siRNA duplexes or dsRNA can silence SOD1 gene expression in cells, for example, motor neurons, therefore, ameliorating symptoms of ALS such as motor death and muscle atrophy. The SOD1 siRNA may be encoded in polynucleotides of a recombinant AAV vector.

siRNA duplexes or dsRNA targeting a specific mRNA may be designed and synthesized as part of a target SOD1 targeting polynucleotide in vitro and introduced into cells for activating RNAi process.

siRNA Molecules

The present invention relates to RNA interference (RNAi) induced inhibition of gene expression for treating neurodegenerative disorders. Provided herein are siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA that target the gene of interest (referred to herein collectively as “siRNA molecules”). Such siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA can reduce or silence gene expression in cells, such as but not limited to, medium spiny neurons, cortical neurons and/or astrocytes.

RNAi (also known as post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS), quelling, or co-suppression) is a post-transcriptional gene silencing process in which RNA molecules, in a sequence specific manner, inhibit gene expression, typically by causing the destruction of specific mRNA molecules. The active components of RNAi are short/small double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), called small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), that typically contain 15-30 nucleotides (e.g., 19 to 25, 19 to 24 or 19-21 nucleotides) and 2-nucleotide 3′ overhangs and that match the nucleic acid sequence of the target gene. These short RNA species may be naturally produced in vivo by Dicer-mediated cleavage of larger dsRNAs and they are functional in mammalian cells.

Naturally expressed small RNA molecules, named microRNAs (miRNAs), elicit gene silencing by regulating the expression of mRNAs. The miRNAs containing RNA Induced Silencing Complex (RISC) targets mRNAs presenting a perfect sequence complementarity with nucleotides 2-7 in the 5′ region of the miRNA which is called the seed region, and other base pairs with its 3′ region. miRNA mediated down regulation of gene expression may be caused by cleavage of the target mRNAs, translational inhibition of the target mRNAs, or mRNA decay. miRNA targeting sequences are usually located in the 3′-UTR of the target mRNAs. A single miRNA may target more than 100 transcripts from various genes, and one mRNA may be targeted by different miRNAs.

siRNA duplexes or dsRNA targeting a specific mRNA may be designed and synthesized in vitro and introduced into cells for activating RNAi processes. Elbashir et al. demonstrated that 21-nucleotide siRNA duplexes (termed small interfering RNAs) were capable of effecting potent and specific gene knockdown without inducing immune response in mammalian cells (Elbashir S M et al., Nature, 2001, 411, 494-498). Since this initial report, post-transcriptional gene silencing by siRNAs quickly emerged as a powerful tool for genetic analysis in mammalian cells and has the potential to produce novel therapeutics.

RNAi molecules which were designed to target against a nucleic acid sequence that encodes poly-glutamine repeat proteins which cause poly-glutamine expansion diseases such as Huntington's Disease, are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,169,483 and 9,181,544 and International Patent Publication No. WO2015179525, the content of each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,169,483 and 9,181,544 and International Patent Publication No. WO2015179525 each provide isolated RNA duplexes comprising a first strand of RNA (e.g., 15 contiguous nucleotides) and second strand of RNA (e.g., complementary to at least 12 contiguous nucleotides of the first strand) where the RNA duplex is about 15 to 30 base pairs in length. The first strand of RNA and second strand of RNA may be operably linked by an RNA loop (˜4 to 50 nucleotides) to form a hairpin structure which may be inserted into an expression cassette. Non-limiting examples of loop portions include SEQ ID NO: 9-14 of U.S. Pat. No. 9,169,483, the content of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Non-limiting examples of strands of RNA which may be used, either full sequence or part of the sequence, to form RNA duplexes include SEQ ID NO: 1-8 of U.S. Pat. No. 9,169,483 and SEQ ID NO: 1-11, 33-59, 208-210, 213-215 and 218-221 of U.S. Pat. No. 9,181,544, the contents of each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Non-limiting examples of RNAi molecules include SEQ ID NOs: 1-8 of U.S. Pat. No. 9,169,483, SEQ ID NOs: 1-11, 33-59, 208-210, 213-215 and 218-221 of U.S. Pat. No. 9,181,544 and SEQ ID NOs: 1, 6, 7, and 35-38 of International Patent Publication No. WO2015179525, the contents of each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In vitro synthetized siRNA molecules may be introduced into cells in order to activate RNAi. An exogenous siRNA duplex, when it is introduced into cells, similar to the endogenous dsRNAs, can be assembled to form the RNA Induced Silencing Complex (RISC), a multiunit complex that interacts with RNA sequences that are complementary to one of the two strands of the siRNA duplex (i.e., the antisense strand). During the process, the sense strand (or passenger strand) of the siRNA is lost from the complex, while the antisense strand (or guide strand) of the siRNA is matched with its complementary RNA. In particular, the targets of siRNA containing RISC complexes are mRNAs presenting a perfect sequence complementarity. Then, siRNA mediated gene silencing occurs by cleaving, releasing and degrading the target.

The siRNA duplex comprised of a sense strand homologous to the target mRNA and an antisense strand that is complementary to the target mRNA offers much more advantage in terms of efficiency for target RNA destruction compared to the use of the single strand (ss)-siRNAs (e.g. antisense strand RNA or antisense oligonucleotides). In many cases, it requires higher concentration of the ss-siRNA to achieve the effective gene silencing potency of the corresponding duplex.

Any of the foregoing molecules may be encoded by a viral genome.

Design and Sequences of siRNA Duplexes Targeting Gene of Interest

The present invention provides small interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes (and modulatory polynucleotides encoding them) that target mRNA to interfere with gene expression and/or protein production.

The encoded siRNA duplex of the present invention contains an antisense strand and a sense strand hybridized together forming a duplex structure, wherein the antisense strand is complementary to the nucleic acid sequence of the targeted gene, and wherein the sense strand is homologous to the nucleic acid sequence of the targeted gene. In some aspects, the 5′ end of the antisense strand has a 5′ phosphate group and the 3′ end of the sense strand contains a 3′ hydroxyl group. In other aspects, there are none, one or 2 nucleotide overhangs at the 3′ end of each strand.

Some guidelines for designing siRNAs have been proposed in the art. These guidelines generally recommend generating a 19-nucleotide duplexed region, symmetric 2-3 nucleotide 3′ overhangs, 5′-phosphate and 3′-hydroxyl groups targeting a region in the gene to be silenced. Other rules that may govern siRNA sequence preference include, but are not limited to, (i) A/U at the 5′ end of the antisense strand; (ii) G/C at the 5′ end of the sense strand; (iii) at least five A/U residues in the 5′ terminal one-third of the antisense strand; and (iv) the absence of any GC stretch of more than 9 nucleotides in length. In accordance with such consideration, together with the specific sequence of a target gene, highly effective siRNA molecules essential for suppressing mammalian target gene expression may be readily designed.

According to the present invention, siRNA molecules (e.g., siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA) that target the gene of interest are designed. Such siRNA molecules can specifically, suppress gene expression and protein production. In some aspects, the siRNA molecules are designed and used to selectively “knock out” gene variants in cells, i.e., mutated transcripts. In some aspects, the siRNA molecules are designed and used to selectively “knock down” gene variants in cells. In other aspects, the siRNA molecules are able to inhibit or suppress both the wild type and mutated version of the gene of interest.

In one embodiment, an siRNA molecule of the present invention comprises a sense strand and a complementary antisense strand in which both strands are hybridized together to form a duplex structure. The antisense strand has sufficient complementarity to the target mRNA sequence to direct target-specific RNAi, i.e., the siRNA molecule has a sequence sufficient to trigger the destruction of the target mRNA by the RNAi machinery or process.

In one embodiment, an siRNA molecule of the present invention comprises a sense strand and a complementary antisense strand in which both strands are hybridized together to form a duplex structure and where the start site of the hybridization to the mRNA is between nucleotide 10 and 1000 on the target mRNA sequence. As a non-limiting example, the start site may be between nucleotide 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, 60-70, 70-80, 80-90, 90-100, 100-150, 150-200, 200-250, 250-300, 300-350, 350-400, 400-450, 450-500, 500-550, 550-600, 600-650, 650-700, 700-70, 750-800, 800-850, 850-900, 900-950, 950-1000, on the target mRNA sequence. As yet another non-limiting example, the start site may be nucleotide 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, 499, 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508, 509, 510, 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, 517, 518, 519, 520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, 528, 529, 530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 537, 538, 539, 540, 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546, 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 565, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 577, 578, 579, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 594, 595, 596, 597, 598, 599, 600, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629, 630, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 656, 657, 658, 659, 660, 661, 662, 663, 664, 665, 666, 667, 668, 669, 670, 671, 672, 673, 674, 675, 676, 677, 678, 679, 680, 681, 682, 683, 684, 685, 686, 687, 688, 689, 690, 691, 692, 693, 694, 695, 696, 697, 698, 699, 700, 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, 711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721, 722, 723, 724, 725, 726, 727, 728, 729, 730, 731, 732, 733, 734, 735, 736, 737, 738, 739, 740, 741, 742, 743, 744, 745, 746, 747, 748, 749, 750, 751, 752, 753, 754, 755, 756, 757, 758, 759, 760, 761, 762, 763, 764, 765, 766, 767, 768, 769, 770, 771, 772, 773, 774, 775, 776, 777, 778, 779, 780, 781, 782, 783, 784, 785, 786, 787, 788, 789, 790, 791, 792, 793, 794, 795, 796, 797, 798, 799, 800, 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 808, 809, 810, 811, 812, 813, 814, 815, 816, 817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 826, 827, 828, 829, 830, 831, 832, 833, 834, 835, 836, 837, 838, 839, 840, 841, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847, 848, 849, 850, 851, 852, 853, 854, 855, 856, 857, 858, 859, 860, 861, 862, 863, 864, 865, 866, 867, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 875, 876, 877, 878, 879, 880, 881, 882, 883, 884, 885, 886, 887, 888, 889, 890, 891, 892, 893, 894, 895, 896, 897, 898, 899, 900, 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 908, 909, 910, 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 916, 917, 918, 919, 920, 921, 922, 923, 924, 925, 926, 927, 928, 929, 930, 931, 932, 933, 934, 935, 936, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 944, 945, 946, 947, 948, 949, 950, 951, 952, 953, 954, 955, 956, 957, 958, 959, 960, 961, 962, 963, 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 971, 972, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, 980, 981, 982, 983, 984, 985, 986, 987, 988, 989, 990, 991, 992, 993, 994, 995, 996, 997, 998, 999, and 1000 on the target mRNA sequence.

In some embodiments, the antisense strand and target mRNA sequences have 100% complementarity. The antisense strand may be complementary to any part of the target mRNA sequence.

In other embodiments, the antisense strand and target mRNA sequences comprise at least one mismatch. As a non-limiting example, the antisense strand and the target mRNA sequence have at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% or at least 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-95%, 20-99%, 30-40%, 30-50%, 30-60%, 30-70%, 30-80%, 30-90%, 30-95%, 30-99%, 40-50%, 40-60%, 40-70%, 40-80%, 40-90%, 40-95%, 40-99%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-95%, 50-99%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 60-95%, 60-99%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-95%, 70-99%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-99%, 90-95%, 90-99% or 95-99% complementarity.

In one embodiment, an siRNA or dsRNA includes at least two sequences that are complementary to each other.

According to the present invention, the siRNA molecule has a length from about 10-50 or more nucleotides, i.e., each strand comprising 10-50 nucleotides (or nucleotide analogs). Preferably, the siRNA molecule has a length from about 15-30, e.g., 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 nucleotides in each strand, wherein one of the strands is sufficiently complementarity to a target region. In one embodiment, each strand of the siRNA molecule has a length from about 19 to 25, 19 to 24 or 19 to 21 nucleotides. In one embodiment, at least one strand of the siRNA molecule is 19 nucleotides in length. In one embodiment, at least one strand of the siRNA molecule is 20 nucleotides in length. In one embodiment, at least one strand of the siRNA molecule is 21 nucleotides in length. In one embodiment, at least one strand of the siRNA molecule is 22 nucleotides in length. In one embodiment, at least one strand of the siRNA molecule is 23 nucleotides in length. In one embodiment, at least one strand of the siRNA molecule is 24 nucleotides in length. In one embodiment, at least one strand of the siRNA molecule is 25 nucleotides in length.

In some embodiments, the siRNA molecules of the present invention can be synthetic RNA duplexes comprising about 19 nucleotides to about 25 nucleotides, and two overhanging nucleotides at the 3′-end. In some aspects, the siRNA molecules may be unmodified RNA molecules. In other aspects, the siRNA molecules may contain at least one modified nucleotide, such as base, sugar or backbone modifications.

In one embodiment, the siRNA molecules of the present invention may comprise an antisense sequence and a sense sequence, or a fragment or variant thereof. As a non-limiting example, the antisense sequence and the sense sequence have at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% or at least 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-95%, 20-99%, 30-40%, 30-50%, 30-60%, 30-70%, 30-80%, 30-90%, 30-95%, 30-99%, 40-50%, 40-60%, 40-70%, 40-80%, 40-90%, 40-95%, 40-99%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-95%, 50-99%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 60-95%, 60-99%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-95%, 70-99%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-99%, 90-95%, 90-99% or 95-99% complementarity.

In other embodiments, the siRNA molecules of the present invention can be encoded in plasmid vectors, AAV particles, viral genome or other nucleic acid expression vectors for delivery to a cell.

DNA expression plasmids can be used to stably express the siRNA duplexes or dsRNA of the present invention in cells and achieve long-term inhibition of the target gene expression. In one aspect, the sense and antisense strands of a siRNA duplex are typically linked by a short spacer sequence leading to the expression of a stem-loop structure termed short hairpin RNA (shRNA). The hairpin is recognized and cleaved by Dicer, thus generating mature siRNA molecules.

According to the present invention, AAV particles comprising the nucleic acids encoding the siRNA molecules targeting the mRNA are produced, the AAV serotypes may be any of the serotypes listed herein. Non-limiting examples of the AAV serotypes include, AAV1, AAV2, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAV9.47, AAV9(hu14), AAV10, AAV11, AAV12, AAVrh8, AAVrh10, AAV-DJ8, AAV-DJ, AAV-PHP.A, AAV-PHP.B, AAVPHP.B2, AAVPHP.B3, AAVPHP.N/PHP.B-DGT, AAVPHP.B-EST, AAVPHP.B-GGT, AAVPHP.B-ATP, AAVPHP.B-ATT-T, AAVPHP.B-DGT-T, AAVPHP.B-GGT-T, AAVPHP.B-SGS, AAVPHP.B-AQP, AAVPHP.B-QQP, AAVPHP.B-SNP(3), AAVPHP.B-SNP, AAVPHP.B-QGT, AAVPHP.B-NQT, AAVPHP.B-EGS, AAVPHP.B-SGN, AAVPHP.B-EGT, AAVPHP.B-DST, AAVPHP.B-DST, AAVPHP.B-STP, AAVPHP.B-PQP, AAVPHP.B-SQP, AAVPHP.B-QLP, AAVPHP.B-TMP, AAVPHP.B-TTP, AAVPHP.S/G2A12, AAVG2A15/G2A3, AAVG2B4, AAVG2B5, and variants thereof.

In some embodiments, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA of the present invention suppress (or degrade) the target mRNA. Accordingly, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA can be used to substantially inhibit the gene expression in a cell, for example a neuron. In some aspects, the inhibition of the gene expression refers to an inhibition by at least about 20%, preferably by at least about 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% and 100%, or at least 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-95%, 20-100%, 30-40%, 30-45%, 30-50%, 30-60%, 30-70%, 30-80%, 30-90%, 30-95%, 30-100%, 35-45%, 40-50%, 40-60%, 40-70%, 40-80%, 40-90%, 40-95%, 40-100%, 45-50%, 45-55%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-95%, 50-100%, 55-65%, 57-68%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 60-95%, 60-100%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-95%, 70-100%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-100%, 85-99%, 90-95%, 90-100% or 95-100%. Accordingly, the protein product of the targeted gene may be inhibited by at least about 20%, preferably by at least about 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% and 100%, or at least 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-95%, 20-100%, 30-40%, 30-45%, 30-50%, 30-60%, 30-70%, 30-80%, 30-90%, 30-95%, 30-100%, 35-45%,40-50%, 40-60%, 40-70%, 40-80%, 40-90%, 40-95%, 40-100%, 45-50%, 45-55%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-95%, 50-100%, 55-65%, 57-68%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 60-95%, 60-100%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-95%, 70-100%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-100%, 85-99%, 90-95%, 90-100% or 95-100%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 30-40%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 30-45%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 35-45%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be greater than 50%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 50-60%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be greater than 60%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 55-65%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 57-68%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 70-80%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 85-99%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 35%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 36%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 40%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 41%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 43%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 45%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 49%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 62%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 64%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 74%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 77%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 84%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 87%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 95%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 99%. As a non-limiting example, the inhibition may be 100%.

In one embodiment, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA of the present invention suppress (or degrade) the target mRNA in spinal cord motor neurons. In some aspects, the inhibition of the gene expression refers to suppression of at least about 20%, preferably by at least about 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% and 100%, or at least 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-95%, 20-100%, 30-40%, 30-45%, 30-50%, 30-60%, 30-70%, 30-80%, 30-90%, 30-95%, 30-100%, 35-45%, 40-50%, 40-60%, 40-70%, 40-80%, 40-90%, 40-95%, 40-100%, 45-50%, 45-55%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-95%, 50-100%, 55-65%, 57-68%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 60-95%, 60-100%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-95%, 70-100%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-100%, 85-99%, 90-95%, 90-100% or 95-100%. Accordingly, the protein product of the targeted gene may be inhibited by at least about 20%, preferably by at least about 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% and 100%, or at least 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-95%, 20-100%, 30-40%, 30-45%, 30-50%, 30-60%, 30-70%, 30-80%, 30-90%, 30-95%, 30-100%, 35-45%, 40-50%, 40-60%, 40-70%, 40-80%, 40-90%, 40-95%, 40-100%, 45-50%, 45-55%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-95%, 50-100%, 55-65%, 57-68%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 60-95%, 60-100%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-95%, 70-100%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-100%, 85-99%, 90-95%, 90-100% or 95-100%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 30-45%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 35-45%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be greater than 50%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be greater than 60%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 50-60%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 55-65%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 57-68%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 70-80%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 85-99%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 35%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 36%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 40%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 41%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 43%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 45%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 49%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 62%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 64%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 74%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 77%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 84%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 87%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 95%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 99%. As a non-limiting example, the suppression may be 100%.

In one embodiment, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA of the present invention suppress (or degrade) the target mRNA in spinal cord motor neurons by 78%.

In one embodiment, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA of the present invention suppress (or degrade) the target mRNA in spinal cord motor neurons by 45-55%.

In one embodiment, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA of the present invention suppress (or degrade) the target mRNA in vg+ cells of motor neuron morphology. In some aspects, the inhibition of the gene expression refers to an inhibition by at least about 20%, preferably by at least about 30%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 90%, 95% and 100%, or at least 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-95%, 20-100%, 30-40%, 30-50%, 30-60%, 30-70%, 30-80%, 30-90%, 30-95%, 30-100%, 40-50%, 40-60%, 40-70%, 40-80%, 40-90%, 40-95%, 40-100%, 45-50%, 45-55%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-95%, 50-100%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 60-95%, 60-100%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-95%, 70-100%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-100%, 90-95%, 90-100% or 95-100%. Accordingly, the protein product of the targeted gene may be inhibited by at least about 20%, preferably by at least about 30%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 90%, 95% and 100%, or at least 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-95%, 20-100%, 30-40%, 30-50%, 30-60%, 30-70%, 30-80%, 30-90%, 30-95%, 30-100%, 40-50%, 40-60%, 40-70%, 40-80%, 40-90%, 40-95%, 40-100%, 45-50%, 45-55%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-95%, 50-100%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 60-95%, 60-100%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-95%, 70-100%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-100%, 90-95%, 90-100% or 95-100%.

In one embodiment, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA of the present invention suppress (or degrade) the target mRNA in vg+ cells of motor neuron morphology by 53%.

In one embodiment, the siRNA molecules comprise a miRNA seed match for the target located in the guide strand. In another embodiment, the siRNA molecules comprise a miRNA seed match for the target located in the passenger strand. In yet another embodiment, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA targeting the gene of interest do not comprise a seed match for the target located in the guide or passenger strand.

In one embodiment, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA targeting the gene of interest may have almost no significant full-length off target effects for the guide strand. In another embodiment, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA targeting the gene of interest may have almost no significant full-length off target effects for the passenger strand. The siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA targeting the gene of interest may have less than 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 1-5%, 2-6%, 3-7%, 4-8%, 5-9%, 5-10%, 6-10%, 5-15%, 5-20%, 5-25% 5-30%, 10-20%, 10-30%, 10-40%, 10-50%, 15-30%, 15-40%, 15-45%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 25-50%, 30-40%, 30-50%, 35-50%, 40-50%, 45-50% full-length off target effects for the passenger strand. In yet another embodiment, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA targeting the gene of interest may have almost no significant full-length off target effects for the guide strand or the passenger strand. The siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA targeting the gene of interest may have less than 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 1-5%, 2-6%, 3-7%, 4-8%, 5-9%, 5-10%, 6-10%, 5-15%, 5-20%, 5-25% 5-30%, 10-20%, 10-30%, 10-40%, 10-50%, 15-30%, 15-40%, 15-45%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 25-50%, 30-40%, 30-50%, 35-50%, 40-50%, 45-50% full-length off target effects for the guide or passenger strand.

In one embodiment, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA targeting the gene of interest may have high activity in vitro. In another embodiment, the siRNA molecules may have low activity in vitro. In yet another embodiment, the siRNA duplexes or dsRNA targeting the gene of interest may have high guide strand activity and low passenger strand activity in vitro.

In one embodiment, the siRNA molecules have a high guide strand activity and low passenger strand activity in vitro. The target knock-down (KD) by the guide strand may be at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, 99.5% or 100%. The target knock-down by the guide strand may be 40-50%, 45-50%, 50-55%, 50-60%, 60-65%, 60-70%, 60-75%, 60-80%, 60-85%, 60-90%, 60-95%, 60-99%, 60-99.5%, 60-100%, 65-70%, 65-75%, 65-80%, 65-85%, 65-90%, 65-95%, 65-99%, 65-99.5%, 65-100%, 70-75%, 70-80%, 70-85%, 70-90%, 70-95%, 70-99%, 70-99.5%, 70-100%, 75-80%, 75-85%, 75-90%, 75-95%, 75-99%, 75-99.5%, 75-100%, 80-85%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-99%, 80-99.5%, 80-100%, 85-90%, 85-95%, 85-99%, 85-99.5%, 85-100%, 90-95%, 90-99%, 90-99.5%, 90-100%, 95-99%, 95-99.5%, 95-100%, 99-99.5%, 99-100% or 99.5-100%. As a non-limiting example, the target knock-down (KD) by the guide strand is greater than 70%. As a non-limiting example, the target knock-down (KD) by the guide strand is greater than 60%.

In one embodiment, the siRNA duplex is designed so there is no miRNA seed match for the sense or antisense sequence to the non-gene of interest sequence.

In one embodiment, the IC₅₀ of the guide strand for the nearest off target is greater than 100 multiplied by the IC₅₀ of the guide strand for the on-target gene. As a non-limiting example, if the IC₅₀ of the guide strand for the nearest off target is greater than 100 multiplied by the IC₅₀ of the guide strand for the target then the siRNA molecule is said to have high guide strand selectivity for inhibiting the gene of interest in vitro.

In one embodiment, the 5′ processing of the guide strand has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 100% of the time in vitro or in vivo. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ processing of the guide strand is precise and has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end at least 99% of the time in vitro. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ processing of the guide strand is precise and has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end at least 99% of the time in vivo. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ processing of the guide strand is precise and has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end at least 90% of the time in vitro. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ processing of the guide strand is precise and has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end at least 90% of the time in vivo. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ processing of the guide strand is precise and has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end at least 85% of the time in vitro. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ processing of the guide strand is precise and has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end at least 85% of the time in vivo.

In one embodiment, the guide to passenger (G:P) (also referred to as the antisense to sense) strand ratio expressed is 1:10, 1:9, 1:8, 1:7, 1:6, 1:5, 1:4, 1:3, 1:2, 1;1, 2:10, 2:9, 2:8, 2:7, 2:6, 2:5, 2:4, 2:3, 2:2, 2:1, 3:10, 3:9, 3:8, 3:7, 3:6, 3:5, 3:4, 3:3, 3:2, 3:1, 4:10, 4:9, 4:8, 4:7, 4:6, 4:5, 4:4, 4:3, 4:2, 4:1, 5:10, 5:9, 5:8, 5:7, 5:6, 5:5, 5:4, 5:3, 5:2, 5:1, 6:10, 6:9, 6:8, 6:7, 6:6, 6:5, 6:4, 6:3, 6:2, 6:1, 7:10, 7:9, 7:8, 7:7, 7:6, 7:5, 7:4, 7:3, 7:2, 7:1, 8:10, 8:9, 8:8, 8:7, 8:6, 8:5, 8:4, 8:3, 8:2, 8:1, 9:10, 9:9, 9:8, 9:7, 9:6, 9:5, 9:4, 9:3, 9:2, 9:1, 10:10, 10:9, 10:8, 10:7, 10:6, 10:5, 10:4, 10:3, 10:2, 10:1, 1:99, 5:95, 10:90, 15:85, 20:80, 25:75, 30:70, 35:65, 40:60, 45:55, 50:50, 55:45, 60:40, 65:35, 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15, 90:10, 95:5, or 99:1 in vitro or in vivo. The guide to passenger ratio refers to the ratio of the guide strands to the passenger strands after intracellular processing of the pri-microRNA. For example, a 80:20 guide-to-passenger ratio would have 8 guide strands to every 2 passenger strands processed from the precursor. As a non-limiting example, the guide-to-passenger strand ratio is 8:2 in vitro. As a non-limiting example, the guide-to-passenger strand ratio is 8:2 in vivo. As a non-limiting example, the guide-to-passenger strand ratio is 9:1 in vitro. As a non-limiting example, the guide-to-passenger strand ratio is 9:1 in vivo.

In one embodiment, the guide to passenger (G:P) strand ratio is in a range of 1-99, 1.3-99, 5-99, 10-99, 15-99, 20-99, 25-99, 30-99, 35-99, 40-99, 45-99, 50-99, 55-99, 60-99, 65-99, 70-99, 75-99, 80-99, 85-99, 90-99, 95-99, 1-10, 1-15, 1-20, 1-25, 1-30, 1-35, 1-40, 1-45, 1-50, 1-55, 1-60, 1-65, 1-70, 1-75, 1-80, 1-85, 1-90, 1-95, 5-10, 5-15, 5-20, 5-25, 5-30, 5-35, 5-40, 5-45, 5-50, 5-55, 5-60, 5-65, 5-70, 5-75, 5-80, 5-85, 5-90, 5-95, 10-15, 10-20, 10-25, 10-30, 10-35, 10-40, 10-45, 10-50, 10-55, 10-60, 10-65, 10-70, 10-75, 10-80, 10-85, 10-90, 10-95, 15-20, 15-25, 15-30, 15-35, 15-40, 15-45, 15-50, 15-55, 15-60, 15-65, 15-70, 15-75, 15-80, 15-85, 15-90, 15-95, 20-25, 20-30, 20-35, 20-40, 20-45, 20-50, 20-55, 20-60, 20-65, 20-70, 20-75, 20-80, 20-85, 20-90, 20-95, 25-30, 25-35, 25-40, 25-45, 25-50, 25-55, 25-60, 25-65, 25-70, 25-75, 25-80, 25-85, 25-90, 25-95, 30-35, 30-40, 30-45, 30-50, 30-55, 30-60, 30-65, 30-70, 30-75, 30-80, 30-85, 30-90, 30-95, 35-40, 35-45, 35-50, 35-55, 35-60, 35-65, 35-70, 35-75, 35-80, 35-85, 35-90, 35-95, 40-45, 40-50, 40-55, 40-60, 40-65, 40-70, 40-75, 40-80, 40-85, 40-90, 40-95, 45-50, 45-55, 45-60, 45-65, 45-70, 45-75, 45-80, 45-85, 45-90, 45-95, 50-55, 50-60, 50-65, 50-70, 50-75, 50-80, 50-85, 50-90, 50-95, 55-60, 55-65, 55-70, 55-75, 55-80, 55-85, 55-90, 55-95, 60-65, 60-70, 60-75, 60-80, 60-85, 60-90, 60-95, 65-70, 65-75, 65-80, 65-85, 65-90, 65-95, 70-75, 70-80, 70-85, 70-90, 70-95, 75-80, 75-85, 75-90, 75-95, 80-85, 80-90, 80-95, 85-90, 85-95, or 90-95. As a non-limiting example, the guide to passenger ratio is a range of 1.3 to 99. As a non-limiting example, the guide to passenger ratio is a range of 10 to 99.

In one embodiment, the guide to passenger (G:P) strand ratio is 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5, 32, 32.5, 33, 33.5, 34, 34.5, 35, 35.5, 36, 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38, 38.5, 39, 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5, 46, 46.5, 47, 47.5, 48, 48.5, 49, 49.5, 50, 50.5, 51, 51.5, 52, 52.5, 53, 53.5, 54, 54.5, 55, 55.5, 56, 56.5, 57, 57.5, 58, 58.5, 59, 59.5, 60, 60.5, 61, 61.5, 62, 62.5, 63, 63.5, 64, 64.5, 65, 65.5, 66, 66.5, 67, 67.5, 68, 68.5, 69, 69.5, 70, 70.5, 71, 71.5, 72, 72.5, 73, 73.5, 74, 74.5, 75, 75.5, 76, 76.5, 77, 77.5, 78, 78.5, 79, 79.5, 80, 80.5, 81, 81.5, 82, 82.5, 83, 83.5, 84, 84.5, 85, 85.5, 86, 86.5, 87, 87.5, 88, 88.5, 89, 89.5, 90, 90.5, 91, 91.5, 92, 92.5, 93, 93.5, 94, 94.5, 95, 95.5, 96, 96.5, 97, 97.5, 98, 98.5, or 99. As a non-limiting example, the guide to passenger (G:P) strand ratio is 11.5. As a non-limiting example, the guide to passenger (G:P) strand ratio is 99.

In one embodiment, the guide to passenger (G:P) (also referred to as the antisense to sense) strand ratio expressed is greater than 1.

In one embodiment, the guide to passenger (G:P) (also referred to as the antisense to sense) strand ratio expressed is greater than 2.

In one embodiment, the guide to passenger (G:P) (also referred to as the antisense to sense) strand ratio expressed is greater than 5.

In one embodiment, the guide to passenger (G:P) (also referred to as the antisense to sense) strand ratio expressed is greater than 10.

In one embodiment, the guide to passenger (G:P) (also referred to as the antisense to sense) strand ratio expressed is greater than 20.

In one embodiment, the guide to passenger (G:P) (also referred to as the antisense to sense) strand ratio expressed is greater than 50.

In one embodiment, the guide to passenger (G:P) (also referred to as the antisense to sense) strand ratio expressed is greater than 300.

In one embodiment, the guide to passenger (G:P) (also referred to as the antisense to sense) strand ratio expressed is 314.

In one embodiment, the guide to passenger (G:P) (also referred to as the antisense to sense) strand ratio expressed is greater than 400.

In one embodiment, the guide to passenger (G:P) (also referred to as the antisense to sense) strand ratio expressed is 434.

In one embodiment, the guide to passenger (G:P) (also referred to as the antisense to sense) strand ratio expressed is at least 3:1.

In one embodiment, the guide to passenger (G:P) (also referred to as the antisense to sense) strand ratio expressed is at least 5:1.

In one embodiment, the guide to passenger (G:P) (also referred to as the antisense to sense) strand ratio expressed is at least 10:1.

In one embodiment, the guide to passenger (G:P) (also referred to as the antisense to sense) strand ratio expressed is at least 20:1.

In one embodiment, the guide to passenger (G:P) (also referred to as the antisense to sense) strand ratio expressed is at least 50:1.

In one embodiment, the passenger to guide (P:G) (also referred to as the sense to antisense) strand ratio expressed is 1:10, 1:9, 1:8, 1:7, 1:6, 1:5, 1:4, 1:3, 1:2, 1;1, 2:10, 2:9, 2:8, 2:7, 2:6, 2:5, 2:4, 2:3, 2:2, 2:1, 3:10, 3:9, 3:8, 3:7, 3:6, 3:5, 3:4, 3:3, 3:2, 3:1, 4:10, 4:9, 4:8, 4:7, 4:6, 4:5, 4:4, 4:3, 4:2, 4:1, 5:10, 5:9, 5:8, 5:7, 5:6, 5:5, 5:4, 5:3, 5:2, 5:1, 6:10, 6:9, 6:8, 6:7, 6:6, 6:5, 6:4, 6:3, 6:2, 6:1, 7:10, 7:9, 7:8, 7:7, 7:6, 7:5, 7:4, 7:3, 7:2, 7:1, 8:10, 8:9, 8:8, 8:7, 8:6, 8:5, 8:4, 8:3, 8:2, 8:1, 9:10, 9:9, 9:8, 9:7, 9:6, 9:5, 9:4, 9:3, 9:2, 9:1, 10:10, 10:9, 10:8, 10:7, 10:6, 10:5, 10:4, 10:3, 10:2, 10:1, 1:99, 5:95, 10:90, 15:85, 20:80, 25:75, 30:70, 35:65, 40:60, 45:55, 50:50, 55:45, 60:40, 65:35, 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15, 90:10, 95:5, or 99:1 in vitro or in vivo. The passenger to guide ratio refers to the ratio of the passenger strands to the guide strands after the intracellular processing of the pri-microRNA. For example, a 80:20 of passenger-to-guide ratio would have 8 passenger strands to every 2 guide strands processed from the precursor. As a non-limiting example, the passenger-to-guide strand ratio is 80:20 in vitro. As a non-limiting example, the passenger-to-guide strand ratio is 80:20 in vivo. As a non-limiting example, the passenger-to-guide strand ratio is 8:2 in vitro. As a non-limiting example, the passenger-to-guide strand ratio is 8:2 in vivo. As a non-limiting example, the passenger-to-guide strand ratio is 9:1 in vitro. As a non-limiting example, the passenger-to-guide strand ratio is 9:1 in vivo.

In one embodiment, the passenger to guide (P:G) strand ratio is in a range of 1-99, 1.3-99, 5-99, 10-99, 15-99, 20-99, 25-99, 30-99, 35-99, 40-99, 45-99, 50-99, 55-99, 60-99, 65-99, 70-99, 75-99, 80-99, 85-99, 90-99, 95-99, 1-10, 1-15, 1-20, 1-25, 1-30, 1-35, 1-40, 1-45, 1-50, 1-55, 1-60, 1-65, 1-70, 1-75, 1-80, 1-85, 1-90, 1-95, 5-10, 5-15, 5-20, 5-25, 5-30, 5-35, 5-40, 5-45, 5-50, 5-55, 5-60, 5-65, 5-70, 5-75, 5-80, 5-85, 5-90, 5-95, 10-15, 10-20, 10-25, 10-30, 10-35, 10-40, 10-45, 10-50, 10-55, 10-60, 10-65, 10-70, 10-75, 10-80, 10-85, 10-90, 10-95, 15-20, 15-25, 15-30, 15-35, 15-40, 15-45, 15-50, 15-55, 15-60, 15-65, 15-70, 15-75, 15-80, 15-85, 15-90, 15-95, 20-25, 20-30, 20-35, 20-40, 20-45, 20-50, 20-55, 20-60, 20-65, 20-70, 20-75, 20-80, 20-85, 20-90, 20-95, 25-30, 25-35, 25-40, 25-45, 25-50, 25-55, 25-60, 25-65, 25-70, 25-75, 25-80, 25-85, 25-90, 25-95, 30-35, 30-40, 30-45, 30-50, 30-55, 30-60, 30-65, 30-70, 30-75, 30-80, 30-85, 30-90, 30-95, 35-40, 35-45, 35-50, 35-55, 35-60, 35-65, 35-70, 35-75, 35-80, 35-85, 35-90, 35-95, 40-45, 40-50, 40-55, 40-60, 40-65, 40-70, 40-75, 40-80, 40-85, 40-90, 40-95, 45-50, 45-55, 45-60, 45-65, 45-70, 45-75, 45-80, 45-85, 45-90, 45-95, 50-55, 50-60, 50-65, 50-70, 50-75, 50-80, 50-85, 50-90, 50-95, 55-60, 55-65, 55-70, 55-75, 55-80, 55-85, 55-90, 55-95, 60-65, 60-70, 60-75, 60-80, 60-85, 60-90, 60-95, 65-70, 65-75, 65-80, 65-85, 65-90, 65-95, 70-75, 70-80, 70-85, 70-90, 70-95, 75-80, 75-85, 75-90, 75-95, 80-85, 80-90, 80-95, 85-90, 85-95, or 90-95.

In one embodiment, the passenger to guide (P:G) strand ratio is 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5, 32, 32.5, 33, 33.5, 34, 34.5, 35, 35.5, 36, 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38, 38.5, 39, 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5, 46, 46.5, 47, 47.5, 48, 48.5, 49, 49.5, 50, 50.5, 51, 51.5, 52, 52.5, 53, 53.5, 54, 54.5, 55, 55.5, 56, 56.5, 57, 57.5, 58, 58.5, 59, 59.5, 60, 60.5, 61, 61.5, 62, 62.5, 63, 63.5, 64, 64.5, 65, 65.5, 66, 66.5, 67, 67.5, 68, 68.5, 69, 69.5, 70, 70.5, 71, 71.5, 72, 72.5, 73, 73.5, 74, 74.5, 75, 75.5, 76, 76.5, 77, 77.5, 78, 78.5, 79, 79.5, 80, 80.5, 81, 81.5, 82, 82.5, 83, 83.5, 84, 84.5, 85, 85.5, 86, 86.5, 87, 87.5, 88, 88.5, 89, 89.5, 90, 90.5, 91, 91.5, 92, 92.5, 93, 93.5, 94, 94.5, 95, 95.5, 96, 96.5, 97, 97.5, 98, 98.5, or 99.

In one embodiment, the passenger to guide (P:G) (also referred to as the sense to antisense) strand ratio expressed is greater than 1.

In one embodiment, the passenger to guide (P:G) (also referred to as the sense to antisense) strand ratio expressed is greater than 2.

In one embodiment, the passenger to guide (P:G) (also referred to as the sense to antisense) strand ratio expressed is greater than 5.

In one embodiment, the passenger to guide (P:G) (also referred to as the sense to antisense) strand ratio expressed is greater than 10.

In one embodiment, the passenger to guide (P:G) (also referred to as the sense to antisense) strand ratio expressed is greater than 20.

In one embodiment, the passenger to guide (P:G) (also referred to as the sense to antisense) strand ratio expressed is greater than 50.

In one embodiment, the passenger to guide (P:G) (also referred to as the sense to antisense) strand ratio expressed is at least 3:1.

In one embodiment, the passenger to guide (P:G) (also referred to as the sense to antisense) strand ratio expressed is at least 5:1.

In one embodiment, the passenger to guide (P:G) (also referred to as the sense to antisense) strand ratio expressed is at least 10:1.

In one embodiment, the passenger to guide (P:G) (also referred to as the sense to antisense) strand ratio expressed is at least 20:1.

In one embodiment, the passenger to guide (P:G) (also referred to as the sense to antisense) strand ratio expressed is at least 50:1.

In one embodiment, a passenger-guide strand duplex is considered effective when the pri- or pre-microRNAs demonstrate, but methods known in the art and described herein, greater than 2-fold guide to passenger strand ratio when processing is measured. As a non-limiting examples, the pri- or pre-microRNAs demonstrate great than 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold, 8-fold, 9-fold, 10-fold, 11-fold, 12-fold, 13-fold, 14-fold, 15-fold, or 2 to 5-fold, 2 to 10-fold, 2 to 15-fold, 3 to 5-fold, 3 to 10-fold, 3 to 15-fold, 4 to 5-fold, 4 to 10-fold, 4 to 15-fold, 5 to 10-fold, 5 to 15-fold, 6 to 10-fold, 6 to 15-fold, 7 to 10-fold, 7 to 15-fold, 8 to 10-fold, 8 to 15-fold, 9 to 10-fold, 9 to 15-fold, 10 to 15-fold, 11 to 15-fold, 12 to 15-fold, 13 to 15-fold, or 14 to 15-fold guide to passenger strand ratio when processing is measured.

In one embodiment, the vector genome encoding the dsRNA comprises a sequence which is at least 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more than 99% of the full length of the construct. As a non-limiting example, the vector genome comprises a sequence which is at least 80% of the full-length sequence of the construct.

In one embodiment, the siRNA molecules may be used to silence wild type or mutant version of the gene of interest by targeting at least one exon on the gene of interest sequence. The exon may be exon 1, exon 2, exon 3, exon 4, exon 5, exon 6, exon 7, exon 8, exon 9, exon 10, exon 11, exon 12, exon 13, exon 14, exon 15, exon 16, exon 17, exon 18, exon 19, exon 20, exon 21, exon 22, exon 23, exon 24, exon 25, exon 26, exon 27, exon 28, exon 29, exon 30, exon 31, exon 32, exon 33, exon 34, exon 35, exon 36, exon 37, exon 38, exon 39, exon 40, exon 41, exon 42, exon 43, exon 44, exon 45, exon 46, exon 47, exon 48, exon 49, exon 50, exon 51, exon 52, exon 53, exon 54, exon 55, exon 56, exon 57, exon 58, exon 59, exon 60, exon 61, exon 62, exon 63, exon 64, exon 65, exon 66, and/or exon 67.

Design and Sequences of siRNA Duplexes Targeting SOD1 Gene

The present invention provides small interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes (and modulatory polynucleotides encoding them) that target SOD1 mRNA to interfere with SOD1 gene expression and/or SOD1 protein production.

The encoded siRNA duplex of the present invention contains an antisense strand and a sense strand hybridized together forming a duplex structure, wherein the antisense strand is complementary to the nucleic acid sequence of the targeted SOD1 gene, and wherein the sense strand is homologous to the nucleic acid sequence of the targeted SOD1 gene. In some aspects, the 5′ end of the antisense strand has a 5′ phosphate group and the 3′ end of the sense strand contains a 3′ hydroxyl group. In other aspects, there are none, one or 2 nucleotide overhangs at the 3′ end of each strand.

Some guidelines for designing siRNAs have been proposed in the art. These guidelines generally recommend generating a 19-nucleotide duplexed region, symmetric 2-3 nucleotide 3′ overhangs, 5′-phosphate and 3′-hydroxyl groups targeting a region in the gene to be silenced. Other rules that may govern siRNA sequence preference include, but are not limited to, (i) A/U at the 5′ end of the antisense strand; (ii) G/C at the 5′ end of the sense strand; (iii) at least five A/U residues in the 5′ terminal one-third of the antisense strand; and (iv) the absence of any GC stretch of more than 9 nucleotides in length. In accordance with such consideration, together with the specific sequence of a target gene, highly effective siRNA molecules essential for suppressing the SOD1 gene expression may be readily designed.

According to the present invention, siRNA molecules (e.g., siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA) that target the SOD1 gene are designed. Such siRNA molecules can specifically, suppress SOD1 gene expression and protein production. In some aspects, the siRNA molecules are designed and used to selectively “knock out” SOD1 gene variants in cells, i.e., mutated SOD1 transcripts that are identified in patients with ALS disease. In some aspects, the siRNA molecules are designed and used to selectively “knock down” SOD1 gene variants in cells. In other aspects, the siRNA molecules are able to inhibit or suppress both the wild type and mutated SOD1 gene.

In one embodiment, an siRNA molecule of the present invention comprises a sense strand and a complementary antisense strand in which both strands are hybridized together to form a duplex structure. The antisense strand has sufficient complementarity to the SOD1 mRNA sequence to direct target-specific RNAi, i.e., the siRNA molecule has a sequence sufficient to trigger the destruction of the target mRNA by the RNAi machinery or process.

In one embodiment, an siRNA molecule of the present invention comprises a sense strand and a complementary antisense strand in which both strands are hybridized together to form a duplex structure and where the start site of the hybridization to the SOD1 mRNA is between nucleotide 15 and 1000 on the SOD1 mRNA sequence. As a non-limiting example, the start site may be between nucleotide 15-25, 15-50, 15-75, 15-100, 100-150, 150-200, 200-250, 250-300, 300-350, 350-400, 400-450, 450-500, 500-550, 550-600, 600-650, 650-700, 700-70, 750-800, 800-850, 850-900, 900-950, and 950-1000 on the SOD1 mRNA sequence. As yet another non-limiting example, the start site may be nucleotide 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 74, 76, 77, 78, 149, 153, 157, 160, 177, 192, 193, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 206, 209, 210, 239, 241, 261, 263, 264, 268, 269, 276, 278, 281, 284, 290, 291, 295, 296, 316, 317, 329, 330, 337, 350, 351, 352, 354, 357, 358, 364, 375, 378, 383, 384, 390, 392, 395, 404, 406, 417, 418, 469, 470, 475, 476, 480, 487, 494, 496, 497, 501, 504, 515, 518, 522, 523, 524, 552, 554, 555, 562, 576, 577, 578, 579, 581, 583, 584, 585, 587, 588, 589, 593, 594, 595, 596, 597, 598, 599, 602, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, 616, 621, 633, 635, 636, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 645, 654, 660, 661, 666, 667, 668, 669, 673, 677, 692, 698, 699, 700, 701, 706, 749, 770, 772, 775, 781, 800, 804, 819, 829, 832, 833, 851, 854, 855, 857, 858, 859, 861, 869, 891, 892, 906, 907, 912, 913, 934, 944, and 947 on the SOD1 mRNA sequence.

In some embodiments, the antisense strand and target SOD1 mRNA sequences have 100% complementarity. The antisense strand may be complementary to any part of the target SOD1 mRNA sequence.

In other embodiments, the antisense strand and target SOD1 mRNA sequences comprise at least one mismatch. As a non-limiting example, the antisense strand and the target SOD1 mRNA sequence have at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% or at least 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-95%, 20-99%, 30-40%, 30-50%, 30-60%, 30-70%, 30-80%, 30-90%, 30-95%, 30-99%, 40-50%, 40-60%, 40-70%, 40-80%, 40-90%, 40-95%, 40-99%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-95%, 50-99%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 60-95%, 60-99%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-95%, 70-99%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-99%, 90-95%, 90-99% or 95-99% complementarity.

In one embodiment, an siRNA or dsRNA targeting SOD1 includes at least two sequences that are complementary to each other.

According to the present invention, the siRNA molecule targeting SOD1 has a length from about 10-50 or more nucleotides, i.e., each strand comprising 10-50 nucleotides (or nucleotide analogs). Preferably, the siRNA molecule has a length from about 15-30, e.g., 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 nucleotides in each strand, wherein one of the strands is sufficiently complementarity to a target region. In one embodiment, each strand of the siRNA molecule has a length from about 19 to 25, 19 to 24 or 19 to 21 nucleotides. In one embodiment, at least one strand of the siRNA molecule is 19 nucleotides in length. In one embodiment, at least one strand of the siRNA molecule is 20 nucleotides in length. In one embodiment, at least one strand of the siRNA molecule is 21 nucleotides in length. In one embodiment, at least one strand of the siRNA molecule is 22 nucleotides in length. In one embodiment, at least one strand of the siRNA molecule is 23 nucleotides in length. In one embodiment, at least one strand of the siRNA molecule is 24 nucleotides in length. In one embodiment, at least one strand of the siRNA molecule is 25 nucleotides in length.

In some embodiments, the siRNA molecules of the present invention targeting SOD1 can be synthetic RNA duplexes comprising about 19 nucleotides to about 25 nucleotides, and two overhanging nucleotides at the 3′-end. In some aspects, the siRNA molecules may be unmodified RNA molecules. In other aspects, the siRNA molecules may contain at least one modified nucleotide, such as base, sugar or backbone modifications.

In one embodiment, the siRNA molecules of the present invention targeting SOD1 may comprise a nucleotide sequence such as, but not limited to, the antisense (guide) sequences in Table 2 or a fragment or variant thereof. As a non-limiting example, the antisense sequence used in the siRNA molecule of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% or at least 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-95%, 20-99%, 30-40%, 30-50%, 30-60%, 30-70%, 30-80%, 30-90%, 30-95%, 30-99%, 40-50%, 40-60%, 40-70%, 40-80%, 40-90%, 40-95%, 40-99%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-95%, 50-99%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 60-95%, 60-99%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-95%, 70-99%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-99%, 90-95%, 90-99% or 95-99% of a nucleotide sequence in Table 2. As another non-limiting example, the antisense sequence used in the siRNA molecule of the present invention comprises at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 or more than 21 consecutive nucleotides of a nucleotide sequence in Table 2. As yet another non-limiting example, the antisense sequence used in the siRNA molecule of the present invention comprises nucleotides 1 to 22, 1 to 21, 1 to 20, 1 to 19, 1 to 18, 1 to 17, 1 to 16, 1 to 15, 1 to 14, 1 to 13, 1 to 12, 1 to 11, 1 to 10, 1 to 9, 1 to 8, 2 to 22, 2 to 21, 2 to 20, 2 to 19, 2 to 18, 2 to 17, 2 to 16, 2 to 15, 2 to 14, 2 to 13, 2 to 12, 2 to 11, 2 to 10, 2 to 9, 2 to 8, 3 to 22, 3 to 21, 3 to 20, 3 to 19, 3 to 18, 3 to 17, 3 to 16, 3 to 15, 3 to 14, 3 to 13, 3 to 12, 3 to 11, 3 to 10, 3 to 9, 3 to 8, 4 to 22, 4 to 21, 4 to 20, 4 to 19, 4 to 18, 4 to 17, 4 to 16, 4 to 15, 4 to 14, 4 to 13, 4 to 12, 4 to 11, 4 to 10, 4 to 9, 4 to 8, 5 to 22, 5 to 21, 5 to 20, 5 to 19, 5 to 18, 5 to 17, 5 to 16, 5 to 15, 5 to 14, 5 to 13, 5 to 12, 5 to 11, 5 to 10, 5 to 9, 5 to 8, 6 to 22, 6 to 21, 6 to 20, 6 to 19, 6 to 18, 6 to 17, 6 to 16, 6 to 15, 6 to 14, 6 to 13, 6 to 12, 6 to 11, 6 to 10, 7 to 22, 7 to 21, 7 to 20, 7 to 19, 7 to 18, 7 to 17, 7 to 16, 7 to 15, 7 to 14, 7 to 13, 7 to 12, 8 to 22, 8 to 21, 8 to 20, 8 to 19, 8 to 18, 8 to 17, 8 to 16, 8 to 15, 8 to 14, 8 to 13, 8 to 12, 9 to 22, 9 to 21, 9 to 20, 9 to 19, 9 to 18, 9 to 17, 9 to 16, 9 to 15, 9 to 14, 10 to 22, 10 to 21, 10 to 20, 10 to 19, 10 to 18, 10 to 17, 10 to 16, 10 to 15, 10 to 14, 11 to 22, 11 to 21, 11 to 20, 11 to 19, 11 to 18, 11 to 17, 11 to 16, 11 to 15, 11 to 14, 12 to 22, 12 to 21, 12 to 20, 12 to 19, 12 to 18, 12 to 17, 12 to 16, 13 to 22, 13 to 21, 13 to 20, 13 to 19, 13 to 18, 13 to 17, 13 to 16, 14 to 22, 14 to 21, 14 to 20, 14 to 19, 14 to 18, 14 to 17, 15 to 22, 15 to 21, 15 to 20, 15 to 19, 15 to 18, 16 to 22, 16 to 21, 16 to 20, 17 to 22, 17 to 21, or 18 to 22 of the sequences in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Antisense Sequences Antisense SEQ ID Sequence ID NO A-4000 UCACCACAAGCCAAACGACUU  5 A-4001 UGAUUAAAGUGAGGACCUGUU  6 A-4002 UAUUAAAGUGAGGACCUGCUU  7 A-4003 UACACCACAAGCCAAACGAUU  8 A-4004 GAUUAAAGUGAGGACCUGCUU  9 A-4005 UCACCACAAGCCAAACGACUUU 10 A-4006 UGCCAGCAGUCACAUUGCCUU 11 A-4007 UAACAGAUGAGUUAAGGGGUU 12 A-4008 UAUUAAAGUGAGGACCUGCdTdT 13 A-4009 UACACCACAAGCCAAACGAdTdT 14 A-4010 UUGUUUAUUGGGCGAUCCCdTdT 15 A-4011 UGUUUAUUGGGCGAUCCCAdTdT 16 A-4012 UCACCACAAGCCAAACGACdTdT 17 A-4013 UGAUUAAAGUGAGGACCUGdTdT 18 A-4014 UUUUAUUGGGCGAUCCCAAdTdT 19 A-4015 UGUCAGCAGUCACAUUGCCdTdT 20 A-4016 UGCGAUCCCAAUUACACCAdTdT 21

In one embodiment, the siRNA molecules of the present invention targeting SOD1 may comprise a nucleotide sequence such as, but not limited to, the sense (passenger) sequences in Table 3 or a fragment or variant thereof. As a non-limiting example, the sense sequence used in the siRNA molecule of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% or at least 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-95%, 20-99%, 30-40%, 30-50%, 30-60%, 30-70%, 30-80%, 30-90%, 30-95%, 30-99%, 40-50%, 40-60%, 40-70%, 40-80%, 40-90%, 40-95%, 40-99%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-95%, 50-99%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 60-95%, 60-99%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-95%, 70-99%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-99%, 90-95%, 90-99% or 95-99% of a nucleotide sequence in Table 3. As another non-limiting example, the sense sequence used in the siRNA molecule of the present invention comprises at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 or more than 21 consecutive nucleotides of a nucleotide sequence in Table 3. As yet another non-limiting example, the sense sequence used in the siRNA molecule of the present invention comprises nucleotides 1 to 22, 1 to 21, 1 to 20, 1 to 19, 1 to 18, 1 to 17, 1 to 16, 1 to 15, 1 to 14, 1 to 13, 1 to 12, 1 to 11, 1 to 10, 1 to 9, 1 to 8, 2 to 22, 2 to 21, 2 to 20, 2 to 19, 2 to 18, 2 to 17, 2 to 16, 2 to 15, 2 to 14, 2 to 13, 2 to 12, 2 to 11, 2 to 10, 2 to 9, 2 to 8, 3 to 22, 3 to 21, 3 to 20, 3 to 19, 3 to 18, 3 to 17, 3 to 16, 3 to 15, 3 to 14, 3 to 13, 3 to 12, 3 to 11, 3 to 10, 3 to 9, 3 to 8, 4 to 22, 4 to 21, 4 to 20, 4 to 19, 4 to 18, 4 to 17, 4 to 16, 4 to 15, 4 to 14, 4 to 13, 4 to 12, 4 to 11, 4 to 10, 4 to 9, 4 to 8, 5 to 22, 5 to 21, 5 to 20, 5 to 19, 5 to 18, 5 to 17, 5 to 16, 5 to 15, 5 to 14, 5 to 13, 5 to 12, 5 to 11, 5 to 10, 5 to 9, 5 to 8, 6 to 22, 6 to 21, 6 to 20, 6 to 19, 6 to 18, 6 to 17, 6 to 16, 6 to 15, 6 to 14, 6 to 13, 6 to 12, 6 to 11, 6 to 10, 7 to 22, 7 to 21, 7 to 20, 7 to 19, 7 to 18, 7 to 17, 7 to 16, 7 to 15, 7 to 14, 7 to 13, 7 to 12, 8 to 22, 8 to 21, 8 to 20, 8 to 19, 8 to 18, 8 to 17, 8 to 16, 8 to 15, 8 to 14, 8 to 13, 8 to 12, 9 to 22, 9 to 21, 9 to 20, 9 to 19, 9 to 18, 9 to 17, 9 to 16, 9 to 15, 9 to 14, 10 to 22, 10 to 21, 10 to 20, 10 to 19, 10 to 18, 10 to 17, 10 to 16, 10 to 15, 10 to 14, 11 to 22, 11 to 21, 11 to 20, 11 to 19, 11 to 18, 11 to 17, 11 to 16, 11 to 15, 11 to 14, 12 to 22, 12 to 21, 12 to 20, 12 to 19, 12 to 18, 12 to 17, 12 to 16, 13 to 22, 13 to 21, 13 to 20, 13 to 19, 13 to 18, 13 to 17, 13 to 16, 14 to 22, 14 to 21, 14 to 20, 14 to 19, 14 to 18, 14 to 17, 15 to 22, 15 to 21, 15 to 20, 15 to 19, 15 to 18, 16 to 22, 16 to 21, 16 to 20, 17 to 22, 17 to 21, or 18 to 22 of the sequences in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Sense Sequences Sense SEQ ID Sequence ID NO S-4000 GUCGUUUGGCUUGUGGUGGCU 22 S-4001 CAGGUCCUCACUUUAAUCGCU 23 S-4002 GCAGGUCCUCACUUUAAUGCC 24 S-4003 GCAGGUCCUCACUUUAAUGCU 25 S-4004 UCGUUUGGCUUGUGGUGUGCU 26 S-4005 GCAGGUCCUCACUUUAAUCCC 27 S-4006 GUCGUUUGGCUUGUGGUGGCC 28 S-4007 CAGGUCCUCACUUUAAUCGCC 29 S-4008 UCGUUUGGCUUGUGGUGUGCC 30 S-4009 GGCAAUGUGACUGCUGGUGCC 31 S-4010 GGCAAUGUGACUGCUGGUACC 32 S-4011 GGCAAUGUGUCUGCUGGUACC 33 S-4012 GGCAAUGUGACUGCUGGCCCC 34 S-4013 GCAGGUCCUCACUUUAAUUCC 35 S-4014 GCAGGUCCUGACUUUAAUCCC 36 S-4015 CCCCUUAACUCAUUUGUUCCC 37 S-4016 GCAGGUCCUCACUUUAAUCdTdT 38 S-4017 UCGUUUGGCUUGUGGUGUCdTdT 39 S-4018 GGGAUCGCCCAAUAAACACdTdT 40 S-4019 UGGGAUCGCCCAAUAAACCdTdT 41 S-4020 GUCGUUUGGCUUGUGGUGCdTdT 42 S-4021 CAGGUCCUCACUUUAAUCCdTdT 43 S-4022 UUGGGAUCGCCCAAUAAACdTdT 44 S-4023 GGCAAUGUGACUGCUGACCdTdT 45 S-4024 UGGUGUAAUUGGGAUCGCCdTdT 46

In one embodiment, the siRNA molecules of the present invention targeting SOD1 may comprise an antisense sequence from Table 2 and a sense sequence from Table 3, or a fragment or variant thereof. As a non-limiting example, the antisense sequence and the sense sequence have at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% or at least 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-95%, 20-99%, 30-40%, 30-50%, 30-60%, 30-70%, 30-80%, 30-90%, 30-95%, 30-99%, 40-50%, 40-60%, 40-70%, 40-80%, 40-90%, 40-95%, 40-99%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-95%, 50-99%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 60-95%, 60-99%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-95%, 70-99%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-99%, 90-95%, 90-99% or 95-99% complementarity.

In one embodiment, the siRNA molecules of the present invention targeting SOD1 may comprise the sense and antisense siRNA duplex as described in Table 4. As a non-limiting example, these siRNA duplexes may be tested for in vitro inhibitory activity on endogenous SOD1 gene expression.

TABLE 4 Sense and antisense strand sequences of SOD1 dsRNA Sense Antisense siRNA Strand SS Strand AS Duplex Sequence SEQ Sequence SEQ ID SS ID (5′-3′) ID AS ID (5′-3′) ID D-4000 S-4016 GCAGGUCCUCAC 38 A-4008 UAUUAAAGUGA 13 UUUAAUCdTdT GGACCUGCdTdT D-4001 S-4017 UCGUUUGGCUUG 39 A-4009 UACACCACAAG 14 UGGUGUCdTdT CCAAACGAdTdT D-4002 S-4018 GGGAUCGCCCAA 40 A-4010 UUGUUUAUUGG 15 UAAACACdTdT GCGAUCCCdTdT D-4003 S-4019 UGGGAUCGCCCA 41 A-4011 UGUUUAUUGGG 16 AUAAACCdTdT CGAUCCCAdTdT D-4004 S-4020 GUCGUUUGGCUU 42 A-4012 UCACCACAAGCC 17 GUGGUGCdTdT AAACGACdTdT D-4005 S-4021 CAGGUCCUCACU 43 A-4013 UGAUUAAAGUG 18 UUAAUCCdTdT AGGACCUGdTdT D-4006 S-4022 UUGGGAUCGCCC 44 A-4014 UUUUAUUGGGC 19 AAUAAACdTdT GAUCCCAAdTdT D-4007 S-4023 GGCAAUGUGACU 45 A-4015 UGUCAGCAGUC 20 GCUGACCdTdT ACAUUGCCdTdT D-4008 S-4024 UGGUGUAAUUGG 46 A-4016 UGCGAUCCCAA 21 GAUCGCCdTdT UUACACCAdTdT D-4009 S-4000 GUCGUUUGGCUU 22 A-4000 UCACCACAAGCC  5 GUGGUGGCU AAACGACUU D-4010 S-4001 CAGGUCCUCACU 23 A-4001 UGAUUAAAGUG  6 UUAAUCGCU AGGACCUGUU D-4011 S-4002 GCAGGUCCUCAC 24 A-4002 UAUUAAAGUGA  7 UUUAAUGCC GGACCUGCUU D-4012 S-4003 GCAGGUCCUCAC 25 A-4002 UAUUAAAGUGA  7 UUUAAUGCU GGACCUGCUU D-4013 S-4004 UCGUUUGGCUUG 26 A-4003 UACACCACAAG  8 UGGUGUGCU CCAAACGAUU D-4014 S-4005 GCAGGUCCUCAC 27 A-4004 GAUUAAAGUGA  9 UUUAAUCCC GGACCUGCUU D-4015 S-4006 GUCGUUUGGCUU 28 A-4005 UCACCACAAGCC 10 GUGGUGGCC AAACGACUUU D-4016 S-4007 CAGGUCCUCACU 29 A-4001 UGAUUAAAGUG  6 UUAAUCGCC AGGACCUGUU D-4017 S-4008 UCGUUUGGCUUG 30 A-4003 UACACCACAAG  8 UGGUGUGCC CCAAACGAUU D-4018 S-4009 GGCAAUGUGACU 31 A-4006 UGCCAGCAGUC 11 GCUGGUGCC ACAUUGCCUU D-4019 S-4010 GGCAAUGUGACU 32 A-4006 UGCCAGCAGUC 11 GCUGGUACC ACAUUGCCUU D-4020 S-4011 GGCAAUGUGUCU 33 A-4006 UGCCAGCAGUC 11 GCUGGUACC ACAUUGCCUU D-4021 S-4012 GGCAAUGUGACU 34 A-4006 UGCCAGCAGUC 11 GCUGGCCCC ACAUUGCCUU D-4022 S-4013 GCAGGUCCUCAC 35 A-4004 GAUUAAAGUGA  9 UUUAAUUCC GGACCUGCUU D-4023 S-4014 GCAGGUCCUGAC 36 A-4004 GAUUAAAGUGA  9 UUUAAUCCC GGACCUGCUU D-4024 S-4002 GCAGGUCCUCAC 24 A-4004 GAUUAAAGUGA  9 UUUAAUGCC GGACCUGCUU D-4025 S-4015 CCCCUUAACUCA 37 A-4007 UAACAGAUGAG 12 UUUGUUCCC UUAAGGGGUU

In other embodiments, the siRNA molecules of the present invention targeting SOD1 can be encoded in plasmid vectors, AAV particles, viral genome or other nucleic acid expression vectors for delivery to a cell.

DNA expression plasmids can be used to stably express the siRNA duplexes or dsRNA of the present invention targeting SOD1 in cells and achieve long-term inhibition of the target gene expression. In one aspect, the sense and antisense strands of a siRNA duplex are typically linked by a short spacer sequence leading to the expression of a stem-loop structure termed short hairpin RNA (shRNA). The hairpin is recognized and cleaved by Dicer, thus generating mature siRNA molecules.

According to the present invention, AAV particles comprising the nucleic acids encoding the siRNA molecules targeting SOD1 mRNA are produced, the AAV serotypes may be any of the serotypes listed herein. Non-limiting examples of the AAV serotypes include, AAV1, AAV2, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAV9.47, AAV9(hu14), AAV10, AAV11, AAV12, AAVrh8, AAVrh10, AAV-DJ8, AAV-DJ, AAV-PHP.A, and/or AAV-PHP.B, AAVPHP.B2, AAVPHP.B3, AAVPHP.N/PHP.B-DGT, AAVPHP.B-EST, AAVPHP.B-GGT, AAVPHP.B-ATP, AAVPHP.B-ATT-T, AAVPHP.B-DGT-T, AAVPHP.B-GGT-T, AAVPHP.B-SGS, AAVPHP.B-AQP, AAVPHP.B-QQP, AAVPHP.B-SNP(3), AAVPHP.B-SNP, AAVPHP.B-QGT, AAVPHP.B-NQT, AAVPHP.B-EGS, AAVPHP.B-SGN, AAVPHP.B-EGT, AAVPHP.B-DST, AAVPHP.B-DST, AAVPHP.B-STP, AAVPHP.B-PQP, AAVPHP.B-SQP, AAVPHP.B-QLP, AAVPHP.B-TMP, AAVPHP.B-TTP, AAVPHP.S/G2A12, AAVG2A15/G2A3, AAVG2B4, AAVG2B5, and variants thereof.

In some embodiments, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA of the present invention suppress (or degrade) SOD1 mRNA. Accordingly, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA can be used to substantially inhibit SOD1 gene expression in a cell. In some aspects, the inhibition of SOD1 gene expression refers to an inhibition by at least about 20%, preferably by at least about 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% and 100%, or at least 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-95%, 20-100%, 30-40%, 30-50%, 30-60%, 30-70%, 30-80%, 30-90%, 30-95%, 30-100%, 40-50%, 40-60%, 40-70%, 40-80%, 40-90%, 40-95%, 40-100%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-95%, 50-100%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 60-95%, 60-100%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-95%, 70-100%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-100%, 90-95%, 90-100% or 95-100%. Accordingly, the protein product of the targeted gene may be inhibited by at least about 20%, preferably by at least about 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% and 100%, or at least 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-95%, 20-100%, 30-40%, 30-50%, 30-60%, 30-70%, 30-80%, 30-90%, 30-95%, 30-100%, 40-50%, 40-60%, 40-70%, 40-80%, 40-90%, 40-95%, 40-100%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-95%, 50-100%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 60-95%, 60-100%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-95%, 70-100%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-100%, 90-95%, 90-100% or 95-100%.

According to the present invention, the siRNA molecules are designed and tested for their ability in reducing SOD1 mRNA levels in cultured cells. Such siRNA molecules may form a duplex such as, but not limited to, include those listed in Table 4. As a non-limiting example, the siRNA duplexes may be siRNA duplex IDs: D-4000 to D-4025.

In one embodiment, the siRNA molecules comprise a miRNA seed match for SOD1 located in the guide strand. In another embodiment, the siRNA molecules comprise a miRNA seed match for SOD1 located in the passenger strand. In yet another embodiment, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA targeting SOD1 gene do not comprise a seed match for SOD1 located in the guide or passenger strand.

In one embodiment, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA targeting SOD1 gene may have almost no significant full-length off target effects for the guide strand. In another embodiment, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA targeting SOD1 gene may have almost no significant full-length off target effects for the passenger strand. The siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA targeting SOD1 gene may have less than 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%,11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 1-5%, 2-6%, 3-7%, 4-8%, 5-9%, 5-10%, 6-10%, 5-15%, 5-20%, 5-25% 5-30%, 10-20%, 10-30%, 10-40%, 10-50%, 15-30%, 15-40%, 15-45%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 25-50%, 30-40%, 30-50%, 35-50%, 40-50%, 45-50% full-length off target effects for the passenger strand. In yet another embodiment, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA targeting SOD1 gene may have almost no significant full-length off target effects for the guide strand or the passenger strand. The siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA targeting SOD1 gene may have less than 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%,11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 1-5%, 2-6%, 3-7%, 4-8%, 5-9%, 5-10%, 6-10%, 5-15%, 5-20%, 5-25% 5-30%, 10-20%, 10-30%, 10-40%, 10-50%, 15-30%, 15-40%, 15-45%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 25-50%, 30-40%, 30-50%, 35-50%, 40-50%, 45-50% full-length off target effects for the guide or passenger strand.

In one embodiment, the siRNA duplexes or encoded dsRNA targeting SOD1 gene may have high activity in vitro. In another embodiment, the siRNA molecules may have low activity in vitro. In yet another embodiment, the siRNA duplexes or dsRNA targeting the SOD1 gene may have high guide strand activity and low passenger strand activity in vitro.

In one embodiment, the siRNA molecules targeting SOD1 have a high guide strand activity and low passenger strand activity in vitro. The target knock-down (KD) by the guide strand may be at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, 99.5% or 100%. The target knock-down by the guide strand may be 40-50%, 45-50%, 50-55%, 50-60%, 60-65%, 60-70%, 60-75%, 60-80%, 60-85%, 60-90%, 60-95%, 60-99%, 60-99.5%, 60-100%, 65-70%, 65-75%, 65-80%, 65-85%, 65-90%, 65-95%, 65-99%, 65-99.5%, 65-100%, 70-75%, 70-80%, 70-85%, 70-90%, 70-95%, 70-99%, 70-99.5%, 70-100%, 75-80%, 75-85%, 75-90%, 75-95%, 75-99%, 75-99.5%, 75-100%, 80-85%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-99%, 80-99.5%, 80-100%, 85-90%, 85-95%, 85-99%, 85-99.5%, 85-100%, 90-95%, 90-99%, 90-99.5%, 90-100%, 95-99%, 95-99.5%, 95-100%, 99-99.5%, 99-100% or 99.5-100%. As a non-limiting example, the target knock-down (KD) by the guide strand is greater than 70%. As a non-limiting example, the target knock-down (KD) by the guide strand is greater than 60%.

In one embodiment, the siRNA duplex target SOD1 is designed so there is no miRNA seed match for the sense or antisense sequence to the non-SOD1 sequence.

In one embodiment, the IC₅₀ of the guide strand in the siRNA duplex targeting SOD1 for the nearest off target is greater than 100 multiplied by the IC₅₀ of the guide strand for the on-target gene, SOD1. As a non-limiting example, if the IC₅₀ of the guide strand for the nearest off target is greater than 100 multiplied by the IC₅₀ of the guide strand for the target then the siRNA molecules are said to have high guide strand selectivity for inhibiting SOD1 in vitro.

In one embodiment, the 5′ processing of the guide strand of the siRNA duplex targeting SOD1 has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 100% of the time in vitro or in vivo. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ processing of the guide strand is precise and has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end at least 99% of the time in vitro. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ processing of the guide strand is precise and has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end at least 99% of the time in vivo. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ processing of the guide strand is precise and has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end at least 90% of the time in vitro. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ processing of the guide strand is precise and has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end at least 90% of the time in vivo. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ processing of the guide strand is precise and has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end at least 85% of the time in vitro. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ processing of the guide strand is precise and has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end at least 85% of the time in vivo.

In one embodiment, the 5′ processing of the guide strand of the siRNA duplex targeting SOD1 has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end in a range of 75-95%, 75-90%, 75-85%, 75-80%, 80-95%, 80-90%, 80-85%, 85-95%, 85-90%, or 90-95%. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ processing of the guide strand of the siRNA duplex targeting SOD1 has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end in a range of 75-95%.

In one embodiment, the 5′ processing of the guide strand of the siRNA duplex targeting SOD1 has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end for 75%, 75.1%, 75.2%, 75.3%, 75.4%, 75.5%, 75.6%, 75.7%, 75.8%, 75.9%, 76%, 76.1%, 76.2%, 76.3%, 76.4%, 76.5%, 76.6%, 76.7%, 76.8%, 76.9%, 77%, 77.1%, 77.2%, 77.3%, 77.4%, 77.5%, 77.6%, 77.7%, 77.8%, 77.9%, 78%, 78.1%, 78.2%, 78.3%, 78.4%, 78.5%, 78.6%, 78.7%, 78.8%, 78.9%, 79%, 79.1%, 79.2%, 79.3%, 79.4%, 79.5%, 79.6%, 79.7%, 79.8%, 79.9%, 80%, 80.1%, 80.2%, 80.3%, 80.4%, 80.5%, 80.6%, 80.7%, 80.8%, 80.9%, 81%, 81.1%, 81.2%, 81.3%, 81.4%, 81.5%, 81.6%, 81.7%, 81.8%, 81.9%, 82%, 82.1%, 82.2%, 82.3%, 82.4%, 82.5%, 82.6%, 82.7%, 82.8%, 82.9%, 83%, 83.1%, 83.2%, 83.3%, 83.4%, 83.5%, 83.6%, 83.7%, 83.8%, 83.9%, 84%, 84.1%, 84.2%, 84.3%, 84.4%, 84.5%, 84.6%, 84.7%, 84.8%, 84.9%, 85%, 85.1%, 85.2%, 85.3%, 85.4%, 85.5%, 85.6%, 85.7%, 85.8%, 85.9%, 86%, 86.1%, 86.2%, 86.3%, 86.4%, 86.5%, 86.6%, 86.7%, 86.8%, 86.9%, 87%, 87.1%, 87.2%, 87.3%, 87.4%, 87.5%, 87.6%, 87.7%, 87.8%, 87.9%, 88%, 88.1%, 88.2%, 88.3%, 88.4%, 88.5%, 88.6%, 88.7%, 88.8%, 88.9%, 89%, 89.1%, 89.2%, 89.3%, 89.4%, 89.5%, 89.6%, 89.7%, 89.8%, 89.9%, 90%, 90.1%, 90.2%, 90.3%, 90.4%, 90.5%, 90.6%, 90.7%, 90.8%, 90.9%, 91%, 91.1%, 91.2%, 91.3%, 91.4%, 91.5%, 91.6%, 91.7%, 91.8%, 91.9%, 92%, 92.1%, 92.2%, 92.3%, 92.4%, 92.5%, 92.6%, 92.7%, 92.8%, 92.9%, 93%, 93.1%, 93.2%, 93.3%, 93.4%, 93.5%, 93.6%, 93.7%, 93.8%, 93.9%, 94%, 94.1%, 94.2%, 94.3%, 94.4%, 94.5%, 94.6%, 94.7%, 94.8%, 94.9%, or 95% of the constructs expressed. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ processing of the guide strand of the siRNA duplex targeting SOD1 has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end for 81% of the constructs expressed. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ processing of the guide strand of the siRNA duplex targeting SOD1 has a correct start (n) at the 5′ end for 90% of the constructs expressed.

In one embodiment, a passenger-guide strand duplex for SOD1 is considered effective when the pri- or pre-microRNAs demonstrate, by methods known in the art and described herein, greater than 2-fold guide to passenger strand ratio when processing is measured. As a non-limiting examples, the pri- or pre-microRNAs demonstrate great than 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold, 8-fold, 9-fold, 10-fold, 11-fold, 12-fold, 13-fold, 14-fold, 15-fold, or 2 to 5-fold, 2 to 10-fold, 2 to 15-fold, 3 to 5-fold, 3 to 10-fold, 3 to 15-fold, 4 to 5-fold, 4 to 10-fold, 4 to 15-fold, 5 to 10-fold, 5 to 15-fold, 6 to 10-fold, 6 to 15-fold, 7 to 10-fold, 7 to 15-fold, 8 to 10-fold, 8 to 15-fold, 9 to 10-fold, 9 to 15-fold, 10 to 15-fold, 11 to 15-fold, 12 to 15-fold, 13 to 15-fold, or 14 to 15-fold guide to passenger strand ratio when processing is measured.

In one embodiment, the siRNA molecules may be used to silence wild type or mutant SOD1 by targeting at least one exon on the SOD1 sequence. The exon may be exon 1, exon 2, exon 3, exon 4, exon 5, exon 6, exon 7, exon 8, exon 9, exon 10, exon 11, exon 12, exon 13, exon 14, exon 15, exon 16, exon 17, exon 18, exon 19, exon 20, exon 21, exon 22, exon 23, exon 24, exon 25, exon 26, exon 27, exon 28, exon 29, exon 30, exon 31, exon 32, exon 33, exon 34, exon 35, exon 36, exon 37, exon 38, exon 39, exon 40, exon 41, exon 42, exon 43, exon 44, exon 45, exon 46, exon 47, exon 48, exon 49, exon 50, exon 51, exon 52, exon 53, exon 54, exon 55, exon 56, exon 57, exon 58, exon 59, exon 60, exon 61, exon 62, exon 63, exon 64, exon 65, exon 66, and/or exon 67.

In one embodiment, the range of guide strands to the total endogenous pool of miRNAs is 0.001-0.6%, 0.005-0.6%, 0.01-0.6%, 0.015-0.6%, 0.02-0.6%, 0.025-0.6%, 0.03-0.6%, 0.035-0.6%, 0.04-0.6%, 0.045-0.6%, 0.05-0.6%, 0.055-0.6%, 0.06-0.6%, 0.065-0.6%, 0.07-0.6%, 0.075-0.6%, 0.08-0.6%, 0.085-0.6%, 0.09-0.6%, 0.095-0.6%, 0.1-0.6%, 0.15-0.6%, 0.2-0.6%, 0.25-0.6%, 0.3-0.6%, 0.35-0.6%, 0.4-0.6%, 0.45-0.6%, 0.5-0.6%, 0.55-0.6%, 0.001-0.5%, 0.005-0.5%, 0.01-0.5%, 0.015-0.5%, 0.02-0.5%, 0.025-0.5%, 0.03-0.5%, 0.035-0.5%, 0.04-0.5%, 0.045-0.5%, 0.05-0.5%, 0.055-0.5%, 0.06-0.5%, 0.065-0.5%, 0.07-0.5%, 0.075-0.5%, 0.08-0.5%, 0.085-0.5%, 0.09-0.5%, 0.095-0.5%, 0.1-0.5%, 0.15-0.5%, 0.2-0.5%, 0.25-0.5%, 0.3-0.5%, 0.35-0.5%, 0.4-0.5%, 0.45-0.5%, 0.001-0.4%, 0.005-0.4%, 0.01-0.4%, 0.015-0.4%, 0.02-0.4%, 0.025-0.4%, 0.03-0.4%, 0.035-0.4%, 0.04-0.4%, 0.045-0.4%, 0.05-0.4%, 0.055-0.4%, 0.06-0.4%, 0.065-0.4%, 0.07-0.4%, 0.075-0.4%, 0.08-0.4%, 0.085-0.4%, 0.09-0.4%, 0.095-0.4%, 0.1-0.4%, 0.15-0.4%, 0.2-0.4%, 0.25-0.4%, 0.3-0.4%, 0.35-0.4%, 0.001-0.3%, 0.005-0.3%, 0.01-0.3%, 0.015-0.3%, 0.02-0.3%, 0.025-0.3%, 0.03-0.3%, 0.035-0.3%, 0.04-0.3%, 0.045-0.3%, 0.05-0.3%, 0.055-0.3%, 0.06-0.3%, 0.065-0.3%, 0.07-0.3%, 0.075-0.3%, 0.08-0.3%, 0.085-0.3%, 0.09-0.3%, 0.095-0.3%, 0.1-0.3%, 0.15-0.3%, 0.2-0.3%, 0.25-0.3%, 0.001-0.2%, 0.005-0.2%, 0.01-0.2%, 0.015-0.2%, 0.02-0.2%, 0.025-0.2%, 0.03-0.2%, 0.035-0.2%, 0.04-0.2%, 0.045-0.2%, 0.05-0.2%, 0.055-0.2%, 0.06-0.2%, 0.065-0.2%, 0.07-0.2%, 0.075-0.2%, 0.08-0.2%, 0.085-0.2%, 0.09-0.2%, 0.095-0.2%, 0.1-0.2%, 0.15-0.2%, 0.001-0.1%, 0.005-0.1%, 0.01-0.1%, 0.015-0.1%, 0.02-0.1%, 0.025-0.1%, 0.03-0.1%, 0.035-0.1%, 0.04-0.1%, 0.045-0.1%, 0.05-0.1%, 0.055-0.1%, 0.06-0.1%, 0.065-0.1%, 0.07-0.1%, 0.075-0.1%, 0.08-0.1%, 0.085-0.1%, 0.09-0.1%, or 0.095-0.1%. As a non-limiting example, the range is 0.06-0.6%. As a non-limiting example, the range is 0.4-0.5%.

In one embodiment, the percent of guide strands to the total endogenous pool of miRNAs is 0.001%, 0.002%, 0.003%, 0.004%, 0.005%, 0.006%, 0.007%, 0.008%, 0.009%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, or 0.6%. As a non-limiting example, the percent is 0.06%. As a non-limiting example, the percent is 0.4%. As a non-limiting example, the percent is 0.5%.

siRNA Modification

In some embodiments, the siRNA molecules of the present invention, when not delivered as a precursor or DNA, may be chemically modified to modulate some features of RNA molecules, such as, but not limited to, increasing the stability of siRNAs in vivo. The chemically modified siRNA molecules can be used in human therapeutic applications and are improved without compromising the RNAi activity of the siRNA molecules. As a non-limiting example, the siRNA molecules modified at both the 3′ and the 5′ end of both the sense strand and the antisense strand.

In some aspects, the siRNA duplexes of the present invention may contain one or more modified nucleotides such as, but not limited to, sugar modified nucleotides, nucleobase modifications and/or backbone modifications. In some aspects, the siRNA molecule may contain combined modifications, for example, combined nucleobase and backbone modifications.

In one embodiment, the modified nucleotide may be a sugar-modified nucleotide. Sugar modified nucleotides include, but are not limited to 2′-fluoro, 2′-amino and 2′-thio modified ribonucleotides, e.g. 2′-fluoro modified ribonucleotides. Modified nucleotides may be modified on the sugar moiety, as well as nucleotides having sugars or analogs thereof that are not ribosyl. For example, the sugar moieties may be, or be based on, mannoses, arabinoses, glucopyranoses, galactopyranoses, 4′-thioribose, and other sugars, heterocycles, or carbocycles.

In one embodiment, the modified nucleotide may be a nucleobase-modified nucleotide.

In one embodiment, the modified nucleotide may be a backbone-modified nucleotide. In some embodiments, the siRNA duplexes of the present invention may further comprise other modifications on the backbone. A normal “backbone”, as used herein, refers to the repeating alternating sugar-phosphate sequences in a DNA or RNA molecule. The deoxyribose/ribose sugars are joined at both the 3′-hydroxyl and 5′-hydroxyl groups to phosphate groups in ester links, also known as “phosphodiester” bonds/linker (PO linkage). The PO backbones may be modified as “phosphorothioate” backbone (PS linkage). In some cases, the natural phosphodiester bonds may be replaced by amide bonds but the four atoms between two sugar units are kept. Such amide modifications can facilitate the solid phase synthesis of oligonucleotides and increase the thermodynamic stability of a duplex formed with siRNA complement. See e.g. Mesmaeker et al., Pure & Appl. Chem., 1997, 3, 437-440; the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Modified bases refer to nucleotide bases such as, for example, adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, uracil, xanthine, inosine, and queuosine that have been modified by the replacement or addition of one or more atoms or groups. Some examples of modifications on the nucleobase moieties include, but are not limited to, alkylated, halogenated, thiolated, aminated, amidated, or acetylated bases, individually or in combination. More specific examples include, for example, 5-propynyluridine, 5-propynylcytidine, 6-methyladenine, 6-methylguanine, N,N,-dimethyladenine, 2-propyladenine, 2-propylguanine, 2-aminoadenine, 1-methylinosine, 3-methyluridine, 5-methylcytidine, 5-methyluridine and other nucleotides having a modification at the 5 position, 5-(2-amino)propyl uridine, 5-halocytidine, 5-halouridine, 4-acetylcytidine, 1-methyladenosine, 2-methyladenosine, 3-methylcytidine, 6-methyluridine, 2-methylguanosine, 7-methylguanosine, 2,2-dimethylguanosine, 5-methylaminoethyluridine, 5-methyloxyuridine, deazanucleotides such as 7-deaza-adenosine, 6-azouridine, 6-azocytidine, 6-azothymidine, 5-methyl-2-thiouridine, other thio bases such as 2-thiouridine and 4-thiouridine and 2-thiocytidine, dihydrouridine, pseudouridine, queuosine, archaeosine, naphthyl and substituted naphthyl groups, any 0- and N-alkylated purines and pyrimidines such as N6-methyladenosine, 5-methylcarbonylmethyluridine, uridine 5-oxyacetic acid, pyridine-4-one, pyridine-2-one, phenyl and modified phenyl groups such as aminophenol or 2,4,6-trimethoxy benzene, modified cytosines that act as G-clamp nucleotides, 8-substituted adenines and guanines, 5-substituted uracils and thymines, azapyrimidines, carboxyhydroxyalkyl nucleotides, carboxyalkylaminoalkyl nucleotides, and alkylcarbonylalkylated nucleotides.

In one embodiment, the modified nucleotides may be on just the sense strand.

In another embodiment, the modified nucleotides may be on just the antisense strand.

In some embodiments, the modified nucleotides may be in both the sense and antisense strands.

In some embodiments, the chemically modified nucleotide does not affect the ability of the antisense strand to pair with the target mRNA sequence.

In one embodiment, the AAV particle comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the siRNA molecules of the present invention may encode siRNA molecules which are polycistronic molecules. The siRNA molecules may additionally comprise one or more linkers between regions of the siRNA molecules.

Molecular Scaffold

In one embodiment, the siRNA molecules may be encoded in a modulatory polynucleotide which also comprises a molecular scaffold. As used herein a “molecular scaffold” is a framework or starting molecule that forms the sequence or structural basis against which to design or make a subsequent molecule.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold comprises at least one 5′ flanking region. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ flanking region may comprise a 5′ flanking sequence which may be of any length and may be derived in whole or in part from wild type microRNA sequence or be a completely artificial sequence.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold comprises at least one 3′ flanking region. As a non-limiting example, the 3′ flanking region may comprise a 3′ flanking sequence which may be of any length and may be derived in whole or in part from wild type microRNA sequence or be a completely artificial sequence.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold comprises at least one loop motif region. As a non-limiting example, the loop motif region may comprise a sequence which may be of any length.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold comprises a 5′ flanking region, a loop motif region and/or a 3′ flanking region.

In one embodiment, at least one siRNA, miRNA or other RNAi agent described herein, may be encoded by a modulatory polynucleotide which may also comprise at least one molecular scaffold. The molecular scaffold may comprise a 5′ flanking sequence which may be of any length and may be derived in whole or in part from wild type microRNA sequence or be completely artificial. The 3′ flanking sequence may mirror the 5′ flanking sequence and/or a 3′ flanking sequence in size and origin. Either flanking sequence may be absent. The 3′ flanking sequence may optionally contain one or more CNNC motifs, where “N” represents any nucleotide.

Forming the stem of a stem loop structure is a minimum of the modulatory polynucleotide encoding at least one siRNA, miRNA or other RNAi agent described herein. In some embodiments, the siRNA, miRNA or other RNAi agent described herein comprises at least one nucleic acid sequence which is in part complementary or will hybridize to a target sequence. In some embodiments the payload is an siRNA molecule or fragment of an siRNA molecule.

In some embodiments, the 5′ arm of the stem loop structure of the modulatory polynucleotide comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a sense sequence. Non-limiting examples of sense sequences, or fragments or variants thereof, which may be encoded by the modulatory polynucleotide are described in Table 3.

In some embodiments, the 3′ arm of the stem loop of the modulatory polynucleotide comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an antisense sequence. The antisense sequence, in some instances, comprises a “G” nucleotide at the 5′ most end. Non-limiting examples of antisense sequences, or fragments or variants thereof, which may be encoded by the modulatory polynucleotide are described in Table 2.

In other embodiments, the sense sequence may reside on the 3′ arm while the antisense sequence resides on the 5′ arm of the stem of the stem loop structure of the modulatory polynucleotide. Non-limiting examples of sense and antisense sequences which may be encoded by the modulatory polynucleotide are described in Tables 2 and 3.

In one embodiment, the sense and antisense sequences may be completely complementary across a substantial portion of their length. In other embodiments the sense sequence and antisense sequence may be at least 70, 80, 90, 95 or 99% complementarity across independently at least 50, 60, 70, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 99% of the length of the strands.

Neither the identity of the sense sequence nor the homology of the antisense sequence need to be 100% complementarity to the target sequence.

In one embodiment, separating the sense and antisense sequence of the stem loop structure of the modulatory polynucleotide is a loop sequence (also known as a loop motif, linker or linker motif). The loop sequence may be of any length, between 4-30 nucleotides, between 4-20 nucleotides, between 4-15 nucleotides, between 5-15 nucleotides, between 6-12 nucleotides, 6 nucleotides, 7 nucleotides, 8 nucleotides, 9 nucleotides, 10 nucleotides, 11 nucleotides, 12 nucleotides, 13 nucleotides, 14 nucleotides, and/or 15 nucleotides.

In some embodiments, the loop sequence comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding at least one UGUG motif. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the UGUG motif is located at the 5′ terminus of the loop sequence.

In one embodiment, spacer regions may be present in the modulatory polynucleotide to separate one or more modules (e.g., 5′ flanking region, loop motif region, 3′ flanking region, sense sequence, antisense sequence) from one another. There may be one or more such spacer regions present.

In one embodiment, a spacer region of between 8-20, i.e., 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 nucleotides may be present between the sense sequence and a flanking region sequence.

In one embodiment, the length of the spacer region is 13 nucleotides and is located between the 5′ terminus of the sense sequence and the 3′ terminus of the flanking sequence. In one embodiment, a spacer is of sufficient length to form approximately one helical turn of the sequence.

In one embodiment, a spacer region of between 8-20, i.e., 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 nucleotides may be present between the antisense sequence and a flanking sequence.

In one embodiment, the spacer sequence is between 10-13, i.e., 10, 11, 12 or 13 nucleotides and is located between the 3′ terminus of the antisense sequence and the 5′ terminus of a flanking sequence. In one embodiment, a spacer is of sufficient length to form approximately one helical turn of the sequence.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold of the modulatory polynucleotide comprises in the 5′ to 3′ direction, a 5′ flanking sequence, a 5′ arm, a loop motif, a 3′ arm and a 3′ flanking sequence. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ arm may comprise a nucleic acid sequence encoding a sense sequence and the 3′ arm comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the antisense sequence. In another non-limiting example, the 5′ arm comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the antisense sequence and the 3′ arm comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the sense sequence.

In one embodiment, the 5′ arm, sense and/or antisense sequence, loop motif and/or 3′ arm sequence may be altered (e.g., substituting 1 or more nucleotides, adding nucleotides and/or deleting nucleotides). The alteration may cause a beneficial change in the function of the construct (e.g., increase knock-down of the target sequence, reduce degradation of the construct, reduce off target effect, increase efficiency of the payload, and reduce degradation of the payload).

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold of the modulatory polynucleotides is aligned in order to have the rate of excision of the guide strand (also referred to herein as the antisense strand) be greater than the rate of excision of the passenger strand (also referred to herein as the sense strand). The rate of excision of the guide or passenger strand may be, independently, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more than 99%. As a non-limiting example, the rate of excision of the guide strand is at least 80%. As another non-limiting example, the rate of excision of the guide strand is at least 90%.

In one embodiment, the rate of excision of the guide strand is greater than the rate of excision of the passenger strand. In one aspect, the rate of excision of the guide strand may be at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more than 99% greater than the passenger strand.

In one embodiment, the efficiency of excision of the guide strand is at least 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more than 99%. As a non-limiting example, the efficiency of the excision of the guide strand is greater than 80%.

In one embodiment, the efficiency of the excision of the guide strand is greater than the excision of the passenger strand from the molecular scaffold. The excision of the guide strand may be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more than 10 times more efficient than the excision of the passenger strand from the molecular scaffold.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold comprises a dual-function targeting modulatory polynucleotide. As used herein, a “dual-function targeting” modulatory polynucleotide is a polynucleotide where both the guide and passenger strands knock down the same target or the guide and passenger strands knock down different targets.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold of the modulatory polynucleotides described herein may comprise a 5′ flanking region, a loop motif region and a 3′ flanking region. Non-limiting examples of the sequences for the 5′ flanking region, loop motif region (may also be referred to as a linker region) and the 3′ flanking region which may be used, or fragments thereof used, in the modulatory polynucleotides described herein are shown in Tables 5-7.

TABLE 5 5′ Flanking Regions for Molecular Scaffold 5′ Flanking 5′ Flanking 5′ Flanking Region  Region Name Region Sequence SEQ ID 5F1 CTCCCGCAGAACACCATGC 47 GCTCCACGGAA 5F2 GAAGCAAAGAAGGGGCAGA 48 GGGAGCCCGTGAGCTGAGT GGGCCAGGGACTGGGAGAA GGAGTGAGGAGGCAGGGCC GGCATGCCTCTGCTGCTGG CCAGA 5F3 GTGCTGGGCGGGGGGCGGC 49 GGGCCCTCCCGCAGAACAC CATGCGCTCTTCGGAA

TABLE 6 Loop Motif Regions for Molecular Scaffold Loop Motif Loop Motif Loop Motif Region Region Name Region Sequence SEQ ID L1 GTGGCCACTGAGAAG 50 L2 GTCTGCACCTGTCACTAG 51 L3 TGTGACCTGG 52 L4 TGTGATTTGG 53

TABLE 7 3′ Flanking Regions for Molecular Scaffold 3′ Flanking 3′ Flanking 3′ Flanking Region Region Name Region Sequence SEQ ID 3F1 CTGAGGAGCGCCTTGACAGC 54 AGCCATGGGAGGGCC 3F2 TGGCCGTGTAGTGCTACCCA 55 GCGCTGGCTGCCTCCTCAGC ATTGCAATTCCTCTCCCATC TGGGCACCAGTCAGCTACCC TGGTGGGAATCTGGGTAGCC 3F3 GGCCGTGTAGTGCTACCCAG 56 CGCTGGCTGCCTCCTCAGCA TTGCAATTCCTCTCCCATCT GGGCACCAGTCAGCTACCCT GGTGGGAATCTGGGTAGCC 3F4 CTGAGGAGCGCCTTGACAGC 57 AGCCATGGGAGGGCCGCCCC CTACCTCAGTGA 3F5 CTGTGGAGCGCCTTGACAGC 58 AGCCATGGGAGGGCCGCCCC CTACCTCAGTGA

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one 5′ flanking region, fragment or variant thereof listed in Table 5. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ flanking region may be 5F1, 5F2, or 5F3.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one 5F1 flanking region.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one 5F2 flanking region.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one 5F3 flanking region.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one loop motif region, fragment or variant thereof listed in Table 6. As a non-limiting example, the loop motif region may be L1, L2, L3, or L4.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one L1 loop motif region.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one L2 loop motif region.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one L3 loop motif region.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one L4 loop motif region.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one 3′ flanking region, fragment or variant thereof listed in Table 7. As a non-limiting example, the 3′ flanking region may be 3F1, 3F2, 3F3, 3F4, or 3F5.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one 3F1 flanking region.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one 3F2 flanking region.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one 3F3 flanking region.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one 3F4 flanking region.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one 3F5 flanking region.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one 5′ flanking region, fragment or variant thereof, and at least one loop motif region, fragment or variant thereof, as described in Tables 5 and 6. As a non-limiting example, the 5′ flanking region and the loop motif region may be 5F1 and L1, 5F1 and L2, 5F1 and L3, 5F1 and L4, 5F2 and L1, 5F2 and L2, 5F2 and L3, 5F2 and L4, 5F3 and L1, 5F3 and L2, 5F3 and L3, and 5F3 and L4.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one 3′ flanking region, fragment or variant thereof, and at least one motif region, fragment or variant thereof, as described in Tables 6 and 7. As a non-limiting example, the 3′ flanking region and the loop motif region may be 3F1 and L1, 3F1 and L2, 3F1 and L3, 3F1 and L4, 3F2 and L1, 3F2 and L2, 3F2 and L3, 3F2 and L4, 3F3 and L1, 3F3 and L2, 3F3 and L3, 3F3 and L4, 3F4 and L1, 3F4 and L2, 3F4 and L3, 3F4 and L4, 3F5 and L1, 3F5 and L2, 3F5 and L3, and 3F5 and L4.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one 5′ flanking region, fragment or variant thereof, and at least one 3′ flanking region, fragment or variant thereof, as described in Tables 5 and 7. As a non-limiting example, the flanking regions may be 5F1 and 3F1, 5F1 and 3F2, 5F1 and 3F3, 5F1 and 3F4, 5F1 and 3F5, 5F2 and 3F1, 5F2 and 3F2, 5F2 and 3F3, 5F2 and 3F4, 5F2 and 3F5, 5F3 and 3F1, 5F3 and 3F2, 5F3 and 3F3, 5F3 and 3F4, 5F3 and 3F5.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise at least one 5′ flanking region, fragment or variant thereof, at least one loop motif region, fragment or variant thereof, and at least one 3′ flanking region as described in Tables 5-7. As a non-limiting example, the flanking and loop motif regions may be 5F1, L1 and 3F1; 5F1, L1 and 3F2; 5F1, L1 and 3F3; 5F1, L1 and 3F4; 5F2, L1 and 3F1; 5F2, L1 and 3F2; 5F2, L1 and 3F3; 5F2, L1 and 3F4; 5F2, L1 and 3F5; 5F3, L1 and 3F1; 5F3, L1 and 3F2; 5F3, L1 and 3F3; 5F3, L1 and 3F4; 5F3, L1 and 3F5; 5F1, L2 and 3F1; 5F1, L2 and 3F2; 5F1, L2 and 3F3; 5F1, L2 and 3F4; 5F1, L2 and 3F5; 5F2, L2 and 3F1; 5F2, L2 and 3F2; 5F2, L2 and 3F3; 5F2, L2 and 3F4; 5F2, L2 and 3F5; 5F3, L2 and 3F1; 5F3, L2 and 3F2; 5F3, L2 and 3F3; 5F3, L2 and 3F4; 5F3, L2 and 3F5; 5F3; 5F1, L3 and 3F1; 5F1, L3 and 3F2; 5F1, L3 and 3F3; 5F1, L3 and 3F4; 5F1, L3 and 3F5; 5F2, L3 and 3F1; 5F2, L3 and 3F2; 5F2, L3 and 3F3; 5F2, L3 and 3F4; 5F2, L3 and 3F5; 5F3, L3 and 3F1; 5F3, L3 and 3F2; 5F3, L3 and 3F3; 5F3, L3 and 3F4; 5F3, L3 and 3F5; 5F1, L4 and 3F1; 5F1, L4 and 3F2; 5F1, L4 and 3F3; 5F1, L4 and 3F4; 5F1, L4 and 3F5; 5F2, L4 and 3F1; 5F2, L4 and 3F2; 5F2, L4 and 3F3; 5F2, L4 and 3F4; 5F2, L4 and 3F5; 5F3, L4 and 3F1; 5F3, L4 and 3F2; 5F3, L4 and 3F3; 5F3, L4 and 3F4; 5F3, L4 and 3F5.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may be a natural pri-miRNA scaffold. As a non-limiting example, the molecular scaffold may be a scaffold derived from the human miR155 scaffold.

In one embodiment, the molecular scaffold may comprise one or more linkers known in the art. The linkers may separate regions or one molecular scaffold from another. As a non-limiting example, the molecular scaffold may be polycistronic.

Modulatory Polynucleotide Comprising Molecular Scaffold and siRNA Molecules Targeting SOD1

In one embodiment, the modulatory polynucleotide may comprise 5′ and 3′ flanking regions, loop motif region, and nucleic acid sequences encoding sense sequence and antisense sequence as described in Table 8. In Table 8, the DNA sequence identifier for the passenger and guide strands are described as well as the 5′ and 3′ Flanking Regions and the Loop region (also referred to as the linker region). In Table 8, the “miR” component of the name of the sequence does not necessarily correspond to the sequence numbering of miRNA genes (e.g., VOYSOD1miR-102 is the name of the sequence and does not necessarily mean that miR-102 is part of the sequence).

TABLE 8 SOD1 Modulatory Polynucleotide Sequence Regions (5′ to 3′) Modulatory 5′ Flanking to Polynucleotide 3′ Flanking 5′ Flanking Passenger Loop Guide 3′ Flanking Construct Name SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO VOYSOD1miR102-788 59 49 80 52 101 57 VOYSOD1miR102- 60 49 81 52 102 57 805c VOYSOD1miR104-788 61 49 82 52 103 57 VOYSOD1miR104- 62 47 83 50 104 54 788.2 VOYSOD1miR104-789 63 47 84 50 105 54 VOYSOD1miR104- 64 49 85 52 106 57 805c VOYSOD1miR104-829 65 47 86 50 107 54 VOYSOD1miR104-830 66 47 87 50 108 54 VOYSOD1miR109-788 67 49 88 53 109 57 VOYSOD1miR109- 68 49 89 53 110 57 805c VOYSOD1miR114-788 69 49 90 52 111 58 VOYSOD1miR114- 70 49 91 52 112 58 805c VOYSOD1miR116-788 71 49 92 52 113 58 VOYSOD1miR116- 72 49 93 52 114 58 805c VOYSOD1miR127-788 73 48 94 51 115 55 VOYSOD1miR127- 74 48 95 51 116 55 788.2 VOYSOD1miR127-789 75 48 96 51 117 55 VOYSOD1miR127- 76 48 97 51 118 55 805c VOYSOD1miR127-829 77 48 98 51 119 56 VOYSOD1miR127-830 78 48 99 51 120 55 VOYSOD1miR127-860 79 48 100 51 121 55 AAV Particles Comprising Modulatory Polynucleotides

In one embodiment, the AAV particle comprises a viral genome with a payload region comprising a modulatory polynucleotide sequence. In such an embodiment, a viral genome encoding more than one polypeptide may be replicated and packaged into a viral particle. A target cell transduced with a viral particle comprising a modulatory polynucleotide may express the encoded sense and/or antisense sequences in a single cell.

In some embodiments, the AAV particles are useful in the field of medicine for the treatment, prophylaxis, palliation or amelioration of neurological diseases and/or disorders.

In one embodiment, the AAV particles comprising modulatory polynucleotide sequence which comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding at least one siRNA molecule may be introduced into mammalian cells.

Where the AAV particle payload region comprises a modulatory polynucleotide, the modulatory polynucleotide may comprise sense and/or antisense sequences to knock down a target gene. The AAV viral genomes encoding modulatory polynucleotides described herein may be useful in the fields of human disease, viruses, infections veterinary applications and a variety of in vivo and in vitro settings.

In one embodiment, the AAV particle viral genome may comprise at least one inverted terminal repeat (ITR) region. The ITR region(s) may, independently, have a length such as, but not limited to, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, and 175 nucleotides. The length of the ITR region for the viral genome may be 75-80, 75-85, 75-100, 80-85, 80-90, 80-105, 85-90, 85-95, 85-110, 90-95, 90-100, 90-115, 95-100, 95-105, 95-120, 100-105, 100-110, 100-125, 105-110, 105-115, 105-130, 110-115, 110-120, 110-135, 115-120, 115-125, 115-140, 120-125, 120-130, 120-145, 125-130, 125-135, 125-150, 130-135, 130-140, 130-155, 135-140, 135-145, 135-160, 140-145, 140-150, 140-165, 145-150, 145-155, 145-170, 150-155, 150-160, 150-175, 155-160, 155-165, 160-165, 160-170, 165-170, 165-175, and 170-175 nucleotides. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises an ITR that is about 105 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises an ITR that is about 141 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises an ITR that is about 130 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the AAV particle viral genome may comprises two inverted terminal repeat (ITR) regions. Each of the ITR regions may independently have a length such as, but not limited to, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, and 175 nucleotides. The length of the ITR regions for the viral genome may be 75-80, 75-85, 75-100, 80-85, 80-90, 80-105, 85-90, 85-95, 85-110, 90-95, 90-100, 90-115, 95-100, 95-105, 95-120, 100-105, 100-110, 100-125, 105-110, 105-115, 105-130, 110-115, 110-120, 110-135, 115-120, 115-125, 115-140, 120-125, 120-130, 120-145, 125-130, 125-135, 125-150, 130-135, 130-140, 130-155, 135-140, 135-145, 135-160, 140-145, 140-150, 140-165, 145-150, 145-155, 145-170, 150-155, 150-160, 150-175, 155-160, 155-165, 160-165, 160-170, 165-170, 165-175, and 170-175 nucleotides. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises an ITR that is about 105 nucleotides in length and 141 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises an ITR that is about 105 nucleotides in length and 130 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises an ITR that is about 130 nucleotides in length and 141 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the AAV particle viral genome comprises two ITR sequence regions.

In one embodiment, the AAV particle viral genome may comprise at least one multiple filler sequence region. The filler region(s) may, independently, have a length such as, but not limited to, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, 499, 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508, 509, 510, 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, 517, 518, 519, 520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, 528, 529, 530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 537, 538, 539, 540, 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546, 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 565, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 577, 578, 579, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 594, 595, 596, 597, 598, 599, 600, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629, 630, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 656, 657, 658, 659, 660, 661, 662, 663, 664, 665, 666, 667, 668, 669, 670, 671, 672, 673, 674, 675, 676, 677, 678, 679, 680, 681, 682, 683, 684, 685, 686, 687, 688, 689, 690, 691, 692, 693, 694, 695, 696, 697, 698, 699, 700, 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, 711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721, 722, 723, 724, 725, 726, 727, 728, 729, 730, 731, 732, 733, 734, 735, 736, 737, 738, 739, 740, 741, 742, 743, 744, 745, 746, 747, 748, 749, 750, 751, 752, 753, 754, 755, 756, 757, 758, 759, 760, 761, 762, 763, 764, 765, 766, 767, 768, 769, 770, 771, 772, 773, 774, 775, 776, 777, 778, 779, 780, 781, 782, 783, 784, 785, 786, 787, 788, 789, 790, 791, 792, 793, 794, 795, 796, 797, 798, 799, 800, 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 808, 809, 810, 811, 812, 813, 814, 815, 816, 817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 826, 827, 828, 829, 830, 831, 832, 833, 834, 835, 836, 837, 838, 839, 840, 841, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847, 848, 849, 850, 851, 852, 853, 854, 855, 856, 857, 858, 859, 860, 861, 862, 863, 864, 865, 866, 867, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 875, 876, 877, 878, 879, 880, 881, 882, 883, 884, 885, 886, 887, 888, 889, 890, 891, 892, 893, 894, 895, 896, 897, 898, 899, 900, 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 908, 909, 910, 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 916, 917, 918, 919, 920, 921, 922, 923, 924, 925, 926, 927, 928, 929, 930, 931, 932, 933, 934, 935, 936, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 944, 945, 946, 947, 948, 949, 950, 951, 952, 953, 954, 955, 956, 957, 958, 959, 960, 961, 962, 963, 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 971, 972, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, 980, 981, 982, 983, 984, 985, 986, 987, 988, 989, 990, 991, 992, 993, 994, 995, 996, 997, 998, 999, 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019, 1020, 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1026, 1027, 1028, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1033, 1034, 1035, 1036, 1037, 1038, 1039, 1040, 1041, 1042, 1043, 1044, 1045, 1046, 1047, 1048, 1049, 1050, 1051, 1052, 1053, 1054, 1055, 1056, 1057, 1058, 1059, 1060, 1061, 1062, 1063, 1064, 1065, 1066, 1067, 1068, 1069, 1070, 1071, 1072, 1073, 1074, 1075, 1076, 1077, 1078, 1079, 1080, 1081, 1082, 1083, 1084, 1085, 1086, 1087, 1088, 1089, 1090, 1091, 1092, 1093, 1094, 1095, 1096, 1097, 1098, 1099, 1100, 1101, 1102, 1103, 1104, 1105, 1106, 1107, 1108, 1109, 1110, 1111, 1112, 1113, 1114, 1115, 1116, 1117, 1118, 1119, 1120, 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, 1125, 1126, 1127, 1128, 1129, 1130, 1131, 1132, 1133, 1134, 1135, 1136, 1137, 1138, 1139, 1140, 1141, 1142, 1143, 1144, 1145, 1146, 1147, 1148, 1149, 1150, 1151, 1152, 1153, 1154, 1155, 1156, 1157, 1158, 1159, 1160, 1161, 1162, 1163, 1164, 1165, 1166, 1167, 1168, 1169, 1170, 1171, 1172, 1173, 1174, 1175, 1176, 1177, 1178, 1179, 1180, 1181, 1182, 1183, 1184, 1185, 1186, 1187, 1188, 1189, 1190, 1191, 1192, 1193, 1194, 1195, 1196, 1197, 1198, 1199, 1200, 1201, 1202, 1203, 1204, 1205, 1206, 1207, 1208, 1209, 1210, 1211, 1212, 1213, 1214, 1215, 1216, 1217, 1218, 1219, 1220, 1221, 1222, 1223, 1224, 1225, 1226, 1227, 1228, 1229, 1230, 1231, 1232, 1233, 1234, 1235, 1236, 1237, 1238, 1239, 1240, 1241, 1242, 1243, 1244, 1245, 1246, 1247, 1248, 1249, 1250, 1251, 1252, 1253, 1254, 1255, 1256, 1257, 1258, 1259, 1260, 1261, 1262, 1263, 1264, 1265, 1266, 1267, 1268, 1269, 1270, 1271, 1272, 1273, 1274, 1275, 1276, 1277, 1278, 1279, 1280, 1281, 1282, 1283, 1284, 1285, 1286, 1287, 1288, 1289, 1290, 1291, 1292, 1293, 1294, 1295, 1296, 1297, 1298, 1299, 1300, 1301, 1302, 1303, 1304, 1305, 1306, 1307, 1308, 1309, 1310, 1311, 1312, 1313, 1314, 1315, 1316, 1317, 1318, 1319, 1320, 1321, 1322, 1323, 1324, 1325, 1326, 1327, 1328, 1329, 1330, 1331, 1332, 1333, 1334, 1335, 1336, 1337, 1338, 1339, 1340, 1341, 1342, 1343, 1344, 1345, 1346, 1347, 1348, 1349, 1350, 1351, 1352, 1353, 1354, 1355, 1356, 1357, 1358, 1359, 1360, 1361, 1362, 1363, 1364, 1365, 1366, 1367, 1368, 1369, 1370, 1371, 1372, 1373, 1374, 1375, 1376, 1377, 1378, 1379, 1380, 1381, 1382, 1383, 1384, 1385, 1386, 1387, 1388, 1389, 1390, 1391, 1392, 1393, 1394, 1395, 1396, 1397, 1398, 1399, 1400, 1401, 1402, 1403, 1404, 1405, 1406, 1407, 1408, 1409, 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413, 1414, 1415, 1416, 1417, 1418, 1419, 1420, 1421, 1422, 1423, 1424, 1425, 1426, 1427, 1428, 1429, 1430, 1431, 1432, 1433, 1434, 1435, 1436, 1437, 1438, 1439, 1440, 1441, 1442, 1443, 1444, 1445, 1446, 1447, 1448, 1449, 1450, 1451, 1452, 1453, 1454, 1455, 1456, 1457, 1458, 1459, 1460, 1461, 1462, 1463, 1464, 1465, 1466, 1467, 1468, 1469, 1470, 1471, 1472, 1473, 1474, 1475, 1476, 1477, 1478, 1479, 1480, 1481, 1482, 1483, 1484, 1485, 1486, 1487, 1488, 1489, 1490, 1491, 1492, 1493, 1494, 1495, 1496, 1497, 1498, 1499, 1500, 1501, 1502, 1503, 1504, 1505, 1506, 1507, 1508, 1509, 1510, 1511, 1512, 1513, 1514, 1515, 1516, 1517, 1518, 1519, 1520, 1521, 1522, 1523, 1524, 1525, 1526, 1527, 1528, 1529, 1530, 1531, 1532, 1533, 1534, 1535, 1536, 1537, 1538, 1539, 1540, 1541, 1542, 1543, 1544, 1545, 1546, 1547, 1548, 1549, 1550, 1551, 1552, 1553, 1554, 1555, 1556, 1557, 1558, 1559, 1560, 1561, 1562, 1563, 1564, 1565, 1566, 1567, 1568, 1569, 1570, 1571, 1572, 1573, 1574, 1575, 1576, 1577, 1578, 1579, 1580, 1581, 1582, 1583, 1584, 1585, 1586, 1587, 1588, 1589, 1590, 1591, 1592, 1593, 1594, 1595, 1596, 1597, 1598, 1599, 1600, 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604, 1605, 1606, 1607, 1608, 1609, 1610, 1611, 1612, 1613, 1614, 1615, 1616, 1617, 1618, 1619, 1620, 1621, 1622, 1623, 1624, 1625, 1626, 1627, 1628, 1629, 1630, 1631, 1632, 1633, 1634, 1635, 1636, 1637, 1638, 1639, 1640, 1641, 1642, 1643, 1644, 1645, 1646, 1647, 1648, 1649, 1650, 1651, 1652, 1653, 1654, 1655, 1656, 1657, 1658, 1659, 1660, 1661, 1662, 1663, 1664, 1665, 1666, 1667, 1668, 1669, 1670, 1671, 1672, 1673, 1674, 1675, 1676, 1677, 1678, 1679, 1680, 1681, 1682, 1683, 1684, 1685, 1686, 1687, 1688, 1689, 1690, 1691, 1692, 1693, 1694, 1695, 1696, 1697, 1698, 1699, 1700, 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705, 1706, 1707, 1708, 1709, 1710, 1711, 1712, 1713, 1714, 1715, 1716, 1717, 1718, 1719, 1720, 1721, 1722, 1723, 1724, 1725, 1726, 1727, 1728, 1729, 1730, 1731, 1732, 1733, 1734, 1735, 1736, 1737, 1738, 1739, 1740, 1741, 1742, 1743, 1744, 1745, 1746, 1747, 1748, 1749, 1750, 1751, 1752, 1753, 1754, 1755, 1756, 1757, 1758, 1759, 1760, 1761, 1762, 1763, 1764, 1765, 1766, 1767, 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772, 1773, 1774, 1775, 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779, 1780, 1781, 1782, 1783, 1784, 1785, 1786, 1787, 1788, 1789, 1790, 1791, 1792, 1793, 1794, 1795, 1796, 1797, 1798, 1799, 1800, 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808, 1809, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1819, 1820, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1825, 1826, 1827, 1828, 1829, 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833, 1834, 1835, 1836, 1837, 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842, 1843, 1844, 1845, 1846, 1847, 1848, 1849, 1850, 1851, 1852, 1853, 1854, 1855, 1856, 1857, 1858, 1859, 1860, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877, 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, 2033, 2034, 2035, 2036, 2037, 2038, 2039, 2040, 2041, 2042, 2043, 2044, 2045, 2046, 2047, 2048, 2049, 2050, 2051, 2052, 2053, 2054, 2055, 2056, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2060, 2061, 2062, 2063, 2064, 2065, 2066, 2067, 2068, 2069, 2070, 2071, 2072, 2073, 2074, 2075, 2076, 2077, 2078, 2079, 2080, 2081, 2082, 2083, 2084, 2085, 2086, 2087, 2088, 2089, 2090, 2091, 2092, 2093, 2094, 2095, 2096, 2097, 2098, 2099, 2100, 2101, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107, 2108, 2109, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2115, 2116, 2117, 2118, 2119, 2120, 2121, 2122, 2123, 2124, 2125, 2126, 2127, 2128, 2129, 2130, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2136, 2137, 2138, 2139, 2140, 2141, 2142, 2143, 2144, 2145, 2146, 2147, 2148, 2149, 2150, 2151, 2152, 2153, 2154, 2155, 2156, 2157, 2158, 2159, 2160, 2161, 2162, 2163, 2164, 2165, 2166, 2167, 2168, 2169, 2170, 2171, 2172, 2173, 2174, 2175, 2176, 2177, 2178, 2179, 2180, 2181, 2182, 2183, 2184, 2185, 2186, 2187, 2188, 2189, 2190, 2191, 2192, 2193, 2194, 2195, 2196, 2197, 2198, 2199, 2200, 2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2206, 2207, 2208, 2209, 2210, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214, 2215, 2216, 2217, 2218, 2219, 2220, 2221, 2222, 2223, 2224, 2225, 2226, 2227, 2228, 2229, 2230, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2238, 2239, 2240, 2241, 2242, 2243, 2244, 2245, 2246, 2247, 2248, 2249, 2250, 2251, 2252, 2253, 2254, 2255, 2256, 2257, 2258, 2259, 2260, 2261, 2262, 2263, 2264, 2265, 2266, 2267, 2268, 2269, 2270, 2271, 2272, 2273, 2274, 2275, 2276, 2277, 2278, 2279, 2280, 2281, 2282, 2283, 2284, 2285, 2286, 2287, 2288, 2289, 2290, 2291, 2292, 2293, 2294, 2295, 2296, 2297, 2298, 2299, 2300, 2301, 2302, 2303, 2304, 2305, 2306, 2307, 2308, 2309, 2310, 2311, 2312, 2313, 2314, 2315, 2316, 2317, 2318, 2319, 2320, 2321, 2322, 2323, 2324, 2325, 2326, 2327, 2328, 2329, 2330, 2331, 2332, 2333, 2334, 2335, 2336, 2337, 2338, 2339, 2340, 2341, 2342, 2343, 2344, 2345, 2346, 2347, 2348, 2349, 2350, 2351, 2352, 2353, 2354, 2355, 2356, 2357, 2358, 2359, 2360, 2361, 2362, 2363, 2364, 2365, 2366, 2367, 2368, 2369, 2370, 2371, 2372, 2373, 2374, 2375, 2376, 2377, 2378, 2379, 2380, 2381, 2382, 2383, 2384, 2385, 2386, 2387, 2388, 2389, 2390, 2391, 2392, 2393, 2394, 2395, 2396, 2397, 2398, 2399, 2400, 2401, 2402, 2403, 2404, 2405, 2406, 2407, 2408, 2409, 2410, 2411, 2412, 2413, 2414, 2415, 2416, 2417, 2418, 2419, 2420, 2421, 2422, 2423, 2424, 2425, 2426, 2427, 2428, 2429, 2430, 2431, 2432, 2433, 2434, 2435, 2436, 2437, 2438, 2439, 2440, 2441, 2442, 2443, 2444, 2445, 2446, 2447, 2448, 2449, 2450, 2451, 2452, 2453, 2454, 2455, 2456, 2457, 2458, 2459, 2460, 2461, 2462, 2463, 2464, 2465, 2466, 2467, 2468, 2469, 2470, 2471, 2472, 2473, 2474, 2475, 2476, 2477, 2478, 2479, 2480, 2481, 2482, 2483, 2484, 2485, 2486, 2487, 2488, 2489, 2490, 2491, 2492, 2493, 2494, 2495, 2496, 2497, 2498, 2499, 2500, 2501, 2502, 2503, 2504, 2505, 2506, 2507, 2508, 2509, 2510, 2511, 2512, 2513, 2514, 2515, 2516, 2517, 2518, 2519, 2520, 2521, 2522, 2523, 2524, 2525, 2526, 2527, 2528, 2529, 2530, 2531, 2532, 2533, 2534, 2535, 2536, 2537, 2538, 2539, 2540, 2541, 2542, 2543, 2544, 2545, 2546, 2547, 2548, 2549, 2550, 2551, 2552, 2553, 2554, 2555, 2556, 2557, 2558, 2559, 2560, 2561, 2562, 2563, 2564, 2565, 2566, 2567, 2568, 2569, 2570, 2571, 2572, 2573, 2574, 2575, 2576, 2577, 2578, 2579, 2580, 2581, 2582, 2583, 2584, 2585, 2586, 2587, 2588, 2589, 2590, 2591, 2592, 2593, 2594, 2595, 2596, 2597, 2598, 2599, 2600, 2601, 2602, 2603, 2604, 2605, 2606, 2607, 2608, 2609, 2610, 2611, 2612, 2613, 2614, 2615, 2616, 2617, 2618, 2619, 2620, 2621, 2622, 2623, 2624, 2625, 2626, 2627, 2628, 2629, 2630, 2631, 2632, 2633, 2634, 2635, 2636, 2637, 2638, 2639, 2640, 2641, 2642, 2643, 2644, 2645, 2646, 2647, 2648, 2649, 2650, 2651, 2652, 2653, 2654, 2655, 2656, 2657, 2658, 2659, 2660, 2661, 2662, 2663, 2664, 2665, 2666, 2667, 2668, 2669, 2670, 2671, 2672, 2673, 2674, 2675, 2676, 2677, 2678, 2679, 2680, 2681, 2682, 2683, 2684, 2685, 2686, 2687, 2688, 2689, 2690, 2691, 2692, 2693, 2694, 2695, 2696, 2697, 2698, 2699, 2700, 2701, 2702, 2703, 2704, 2705, 2706, 2707, 2708, 2709, 2710, 2711, 2712, 2713, 2714, 2715, 2716, 2717, 2718, 2719, 2720, 2721, 2722, 2723, 2724, 2725, 2726, 2727, 2728, 2729, 2730, 2731, 2732, 2733, 2734, 2735, 2736, 2737, 2738, 2739, 2740, 2741, 2742, 2743, 2744, 2745, 2746, 2747, 2748, 2749, 2750, 2751, 2752, 2753, 2754, 2755, 2756, 2757, 2758, 2759, 2760, 2761, 2762, 2763, 2764, 2765, 2766, 2767, 2768, 2769, 2770, 2771, 2772, 2773, 2774, 2775, 2776, 2777, 2778, 2779, 2780, 2781, 2782, 2783, 2784, 2785, 2786, 2787, 2788, 2789, 2790, 2791, 2792, 2793, 2794, 2795, 2796, 2797, 2798, 2799, 2800, 2801, 2802, 2803, 2804, 2805, 2806, 2807, 2808, 2809, 2810, 2811, 2812, 2813, 2814, 2815, 2816, 2817, 2818, 2819, 2820, 2821, 2822, 2823, 2824, 2825, 2826, 2827, 2828, 2829, 2830, 2831, 2832, 2833, 2834, 2835, 2836, 2837, 2838, 2839, 2840, 2841, 2842, 2843, 2844, 2845, 2846, 2847, 2848, 2849, 2850, 2851, 2852, 2853, 2854, 2855, 2856, 2857, 2858, 2859, 2860, 2861, 2862, 2863, 2864, 2865, 2866, 2867, 2868, 2869, 2870, 2871, 2872, 2873, 2874, 2875, 2876, 2877, 2878, 2879, 2880, 2881, 2882, 2883, 2884, 2885, 2886, 2887, 2888, 2889, 2890, 2891, 2892, 2893, 2894, 2895, 2896, 2897, 2898, 2899, 2900, 2901, 2902, 2903, 2904, 2905, 2906, 2907, 2908, 2909, 2910, 2911, 2912, 2913, 2914, 2915, 2916, 2917, 2918, 2919, 2920, 2921, 2922, 2923, 2924, 2925, 2926, 2927, 2928, 2929, 2930, 2931, 2932, 2933, 2934, 2935, 2936, 2937, 2938, 2939, 2940, 2941, 2942, 2943, 2944, 2945, 2946, 2947, 2948, 2949, 2950, 2951, 2952, 2953, 2954, 2955, 2956, 2957, 2958, 2959, 2960, 2961, 2962, 2963, 2964, 2965, 2966, 2967, 2968, 2969, 2970, 2971, 2972, 2973, 2974, 2975, 2976, 2977, 2978, 2979, 2980, 2981, 2982, 2983, 2984, 2985, 2986, 2987, 2988, 2989, 2990, 2991, 2992, 2993, 2994, 2995, 2996, 2997, 2998, 2999, 3000, 3001, 3002, 3003, 3004, 3005, 3006, 3007, 3008, 3009, 3010, 3011, 3012, 3013, 3014, 3015, 3016, 3017, 3018, 3019, 3020, 3021, 3022, 3023, 3024, 3025, 3026, 3027, 3028, 3029, 3030, 3031, 3032, 3033, 3034, 3035, 3036, 3037, 3038, 3039, 3040, 3041, 3042, 3043, 3044, 3045, 3046, 3047, 3048, 3049, 3050, 3051, 3052, 3053, 3054, 3055, 3056, 3057, 3058, 3059, 3060, 3061, 3062, 3063, 3064, 3065, 3066, 3067, 3068, 3069, 3070, 3071, 3072, 3073, 3074, 3075, 3076, 3077, 3078, 3079, 3080, 3081, 3082, 3083, 3084, 3085, 3086, 3087, 3088, 3089, 3090, 3091, 3092, 3093, 3094, 3095, 3096, 3097, 3098, 3099, 3100, 3101, 3102, 3103, 3104, 3105, 3106, 3107, 3108, 3109, 3110, 3111, 3112, 3113, 3114, 3115, 3116, 3117, 3118, 3119, 3120, 3121, 3122, 3123, 3124, 3125, 3126, 3127, 3128, 3129, 3130, 3131, 3132, 3133, 3134, 3135, 3136, 3137, 3138, 3139, 3140, 3141, 3142, 3143, 3144, 3145, 3146, 3147, 3148, 3149, 3150, 3151, 3152, 3153, 3154, 3155, 3156, 3157, 3158, 3159, 3160, 3161, 3162, 3163, 3164, 3165, 3166, 3167, 3168, 3169, 3170, 3171, 3172, 3173, 3174, 3175, 3176, 3177, 3178, 3179, 3180, 3181, 3182, 3183, 3184, 3185, 3186, 3187, 3188, 3189, 3190, 3191, 3192, 3193, 3194, 3195, 3196, 3197, 3198, 3199, 3200, 3201, 3202, 3203, 3204, 3205, 3206, 3207, 3208, 3209, 3210, 3211, 3212, 3213, 3214, 3215, 3216, 3217, 3218, 3219, 3220, 3221, 3222, 3223, 3224, 3225, 3226, 3227, 3228, 3229, 3230, 3231, 3232, 3233, 3234, 3235, 3236, 3237, 3238, 3239, 3240, 3241, 3242, 3243, 3244, 3245, 3246, 3247, 3248, 3249, and 3250 nucleotides. The length of any filler region for the viral genome may be 50-100, 100-150, 150-200, 200-250, 250-300, 300-350, 350-400, 400-450, 450-500, 500-550, 550-600, 600-650, 650-700, 700-750, 750-800, 800-850, 850-900, 900-950, 950-1000, 1000-1050, 1050-1100, 1100-1150, 1150-1200, 1200-1250, 1250-1300, 1300-1350, 1350-1400, 1400-1450, 1450-1500, 1500-1550, 1550-1600, 1600-1650, 1650-1700, 1700-1750, 1750-1800, 1800-1850, 1850-1900, 1900-1950, 1950-2000, 2000-2050, 2050-2100, 2100-2150, 2150-2200, 2200-2250, 2250-2300, 2300-2350, 2350-2400, 2400-2450, 2450-2500, 2500-2550, 2550-2600, 2600-2650, 2650-2700, 2700-2750, 2750-2800, 2800-2850, 2850-2900, 2900-2950, 2950-3000, 3000-3050, 3050-3100, 3100-3150, 3150-3200, and 3200-3250 nucleotides. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 55 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 56 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 97 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 103 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 105 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 357 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 363 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 712 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 714 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 1203 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 1209 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 1512 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 1519 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 2395 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 2403 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 2405 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 3013 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 3021 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the AAV particle viral genome may comprise at least one multiple filler sequence region. The filler region(s) may, independently, have a length such as, but not limited to, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, 499, 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508, 509, 510, 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, 517, 518, 519, 520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, 528, 529, 530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 537, 538, 539, 540, 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546, 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 565, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 577, 578, 579, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 594, 595, 596, 597, 598, 599, 600, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629, 630, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 656, 657, 658, 659, 660, 661, 662, 663, 664, 665, 666, 667, 668, 669, 670, 671, 672, 673, 674, 675, 676, 677, 678, 679, 680, 681, 682, 683, 684, 685, 686, 687, 688, 689, 690, 691, 692, 693, 694, 695, 696, 697, 698, 699, 700, 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, 711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721, 722, 723, 724, 725, 726, 727, 728, 729, 730, 731, 732, 733, 734, 735, 736, 737, 738, 739, 740, 741, 742, 743, 744, 745, 746, 747, 748, 749, 750, 751, 752, 753, 754, 755, 756, 757, 758, 759, 760, 761, 762, 763, 764, 765, 766, 767, 768, 769, 770, 771, 772, 773, 774, 775, 776, 777, 778, 779, 780, 781, 782, 783, 784, 785, 786, 787, 788, 789, 790, 791, 792, 793, 794, 795, 796, 797, 798, 799, 800, 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 808, 809, 810, 811, 812, 813, 814, 815, 816, 817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 826, 827, 828, 829, 830, 831, 832, 833, 834, 835, 836, 837, 838, 839, 840, 841, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847, 848, 849, 850, 851, 852, 853, 854, 855, 856, 857, 858, 859, 860, 861, 862, 863, 864, 865, 866, 867, 868, 869, 870, 871, 872, 873, 874, 875, 876, 877, 878, 879, 880, 881, 882, 883, 884, 885, 886, 887, 888, 889, 890, 891, 892, 893, 894, 895, 896, 897, 898, 899, 900, 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 908, 909, 910, 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 916, 917, 918, 919, 920, 921, 922, 923, 924, 925, 926, 927, 928, 929, 930, 931, 932, 933, 934, 935, 936, 937, 938, 939, 940, 941, 942, 943, 944, 945, 946, 947, 948, 949, 950, 951, 952, 953, 954, 955, 956, 957, 958, 959, 960, 961, 962, 963, 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 971, 972, 973, 974, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, 980, 981, 982, 983, 984, 985, 986, 987, 988, 989, 990, 991, 992, 993, 994, 995, 996, 997, 998, 999, 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019, 1020, 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1026, 1027, 1028, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1033, 1034, 1035, 1036, 1037, 1038, 1039, 1040, 1041, 1042, 1043, 1044, 1045, 1046, 1047, 1048, 1049, 1050, 1051, 1052, 1053, 1054, 1055, 1056, 1057, 1058, 1059, 1060, 1061, 1062, 1063, 1064, 1065, 1066, 1067, 1068, 1069, 1070, 1071, 1072, 1073, 1074, 1075, 1076, 1077, 1078, 1079, 1080, 1081, 1082, 1083, 1084, 1085, 1086, 1087, 1088, 1089, 1090, 1091, 1092, 1093, 1094, 1095, 1096, 1097, 1098, 1099, 1100, 1101, 1102, 1103, 1104, 1105, 1106, 1107, 1108, 1109, 1110, 1111, 1112, 1113, 1114, 1115, 1116, 1117, 1118, 1119, 1120, 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, 1125, 1126, 1127, 1128, 1129, 1130, 1131, 1132, 1133, 1134, 1135, 1136, 1137, 1138, 1139, 1140, 1141, 1142, 1143, 1144, 1145, 1146, 1147, 1148, 1149, 1150, 1151, 1152, 1153, 1154, 1155, 1156, 1157, 1158, 1159, 1160, 1161, 1162, 1163, 1164, 1165, 1166, 1167, 1168, 1169, 1170, 1171, 1172, 1173, 1174, 1175, 1176, 1177, 1178, 1179, 1180, 1181, 1182, 1183, 1184, 1185, 1186, 1187, 1188, 1189, 1190, 1191, 1192, 1193, 1194, 1195, 1196, 1197, 1198, 1199, 1200, 1201, 1202, 1203, 1204, 1205, 1206, 1207, 1208, 1209, 1210, 1211, 1212, 1213, 1214, 1215, 1216, 1217, 1218, 1219, 1220, 1221, 1222, 1223, 1224, 1225, 1226, 1227, 1228, 1229, 1230, 1231, 1232, 1233, 1234, 1235, 1236, 1237, 1238, 1239, 1240, 1241, 1242, 1243, 1244, 1245, 1246, 1247, 1248, 1249, 1250, 1251, 1252, 1253, 1254, 1255, 1256, 1257, 1258, 1259, 1260, 1261, 1262, 1263, 1264, 1265, 1266, 1267, 1268, 1269, 1270, 1271, 1272, 1273, 1274, 1275, 1276, 1277, 1278, 1279, 1280, 1281, 1282, 1283, 1284, 1285, 1286, 1287, 1288, 1289, 1290, 1291, 1292, 1293, 1294, 1295, 1296, 1297, 1298, 1299, 1300, 1301, 1302, 1303, 1304, 1305, 1306, 1307, 1308, 1309, 1310, 1311, 1312, 1313, 1314, 1315, 1316, 1317, 1318, 1319, 1320, 1321, 1322, 1323, 1324, 1325, 1326, 1327, 1328, 1329, 1330, 1331, 1332, 1333, 1334, 1335, 1336, 1337, 1338, 1339, 1340, 1341, 1342, 1343, 1344, 1345, 1346, 1347, 1348, 1349, 1350, 1351, 1352, 1353, 1354, 1355, 1356, 1357, 1358, 1359, 1360, 1361, 1362, 1363, 1364, 1365, 1366, 1367, 1368, 1369, 1370, 1371, 1372, 1373, 1374, 1375, 1376, 1377, 1378, 1379, 1380, 1381, 1382, 1383, 1384, 1385, 1386, 1387, 1388, 1389, 1390, 1391, 1392, 1393, 1394, 1395, 1396, 1397, 1398, 1399, 1400, 1401, 1402, 1403, 1404, 1405, 1406, 1407, 1408, 1409, 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413, 1414, 1415, 1416, 1417, 1418, 1419, 1420, 1421, 1422, 1423, 1424, 1425, 1426, 1427, 1428, 1429, 1430, 1431, 1432, 1433, 1434, 1435, 1436, 1437, 1438, 1439, 1440, 1441, 1442, 1443, 1444, 1445, 1446, 1447, 1448, 1449, 1450, 1451, 1452, 1453, 1454, 1455, 1456, 1457, 1458, 1459, 1460, 1461, 1462, 1463, 1464, 1465, 1466, 1467, 1468, 1469, 1470, 1471, 1472, 1473, 1474, 1475, 1476, 1477, 1478, 1479, 1480, 1481, 1482, 1483, 1484, 1485, 1486, 1487, 1488, 1489, 1490, 1491, 1492, 1493, 1494, 1495, 1496, 1497, 1498, 1499, 1500, 1501, 1502, 1503, 1504, 1505, 1506, 1507, 1508, 1509, 1510, 1511, 1512, 1513, 1514, 1515, 1516, 1517, 1518, 1519, 1520, 1521, 1522, 1523, 1524, 1525, 1526, 1527, 1528, 1529, 1530, 1531, 1532, 1533, 1534, 1535, 1536, 1537, 1538, 1539, 1540, 1541, 1542, 1543, 1544, 1545, 1546, 1547, 1548, 1549, 1550, 1551, 1552, 1553, 1554, 1555, 1556, 1557, 1558, 1559, 1560, 1561, 1562, 1563, 1564, 1565, 1566, 1567, 1568, 1569, 1570, 1571, 1572, 1573, 1574, 1575, 1576, 1577, 1578, 1579, 1580, 1581, 1582, 1583, 1584, 1585, 1586, 1587, 1588, 1589, 1590, 1591, 1592, 1593, 1594, 1595, 1596, 1597, 1598, 1599, 1600, 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604, 1605, 1606, 1607, 1608, 1609, 1610, 1611, 1612, 1613, 1614, 1615, 1616, 1617, 1618, 1619, 1620, 1621, 1622, 1623, 1624, 1625, 1626, 1627, 1628, 1629, 1630, 1631, 1632, 1633, 1634, 1635, 1636, 1637, 1638, 1639, 1640, 1641, 1642, 1643, 1644, 1645, 1646, 1647, 1648, 1649, 1650, 1651, 1652, 1653, 1654, 1655, 1656, 1657, 1658, 1659, 1660, 1661, 1662, 1663, 1664, 1665, 1666, 1667, 1668, 1669, 1670, 1671, 1672, 1673, 1674, 1675, 1676, 1677, 1678, 1679, 1680, 1681, 1682, 1683, 1684, 1685, 1686, 1687, 1688, 1689, 1690, 1691, 1692, 1693, 1694, 1695, 1696, 1697, 1698, 1699, 1700, 1701, 1702, 1703, 1704, 1705, 1706, 1707, 1708, 1709, 1710, 1711, 1712, 1713, 1714, 1715, 1716, 1717, 1718, 1719, 1720, 1721, 1722, 1723, 1724, 1725, 1726, 1727, 1728, 1729, 1730, 1731, 1732, 1733, 1734, 1735, 1736, 1737, 1738, 1739, 1740, 1741, 1742, 1743, 1744, 1745, 1746, 1747, 1748, 1749, 1750, 1751, 1752, 1753, 1754, 1755, 1756, 1757, 1758, 1759, 1760, 1761, 1762, 1763, 1764, 1765, 1766, 1767, 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772, 1773, 1774, 1775, 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779, 1780, 1781, 1782, 1783, 1784, 1785, 1786, 1787, 1788, 1789, 1790, 1791, 1792, 1793, 1794, 1795, 1796, 1797, 1798, 1799, 1800, 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808, 1809, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1819, 1820, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1825, 1826, 1827, 1828, 1829, 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833, 1834, 1835, 1836, 1837, 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842, 1843, 1844, 1845, 1846, 1847, 1848, 1849, 1850, 1851, 1852, 1853, 1854, 1855, 1856, 1857, 1858, 1859, 1860, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877, 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, 2033, 2034, 2035, 2036, 2037, 2038, 2039, 2040, 2041, 2042, 2043, 2044, 2045, 2046, 2047, 2048, 2049, 2050, 2051, 2052, 2053, 2054, 2055, 2056, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2060, 2061, 2062, 2063, 2064, 2065, 2066, 2067, 2068, 2069, 2070, 2071, 2072, 2073, 2074, 2075, 2076, 2077, 2078, 2079, 2080, 2081, 2082, 2083, 2084, 2085, 2086, 2087, 2088, 2089, 2090, 2091, 2092, 2093, 2094, 2095, 2096, 2097, 2098, 2099, 2100, 2101, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107, 2108, 2109, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2115, 2116, 2117, 2118, 2119, 2120, 2121, 2122, 2123, 2124, 2125, 2126, 2127, 2128, 2129, 2130, 2131, 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2136, 2137, 2138, 2139, 2140, 2141, 2142, 2143, 2144, 2145, 2146, 2147, 2148, 2149, 2150, 2151, 2152, 2153, 2154, 2155, 2156, 2157, 2158, 2159, 2160, 2161, 2162, 2163, 2164, 2165, 2166, 2167, 2168, 2169, 2170, 2171, 2172, 2173, 2174, 2175, 2176, 2177, 2178, 2179, 2180, 2181, 2182, 2183, 2184, 2185, 2186, 2187, 2188, 2189, 2190, 2191, 2192, 2193, 2194, 2195, 2196, 2197, 2198, 2199, 2200, 2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205, 2206, 2207, 2208, 2209, 2210, 2211, 2212, 2213, 2214, 2215, 2216, 2217, 2218, 2219, 2220, 2221, 2222, 2223, 2224, 2225, 2226, 2227, 2228, 2229, 2230, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2235, 2236, 2237, 2238, 2239, 2240, 2241, 2242, 2243, 2244, 2245, 2246, 2247, 2248, 2249, 2250, 2251, 2252, 2253, 2254, 2255, 2256, 2257, 2258, 2259, 2260, 2261, 2262, 2263, 2264, 2265, 2266, 2267, 2268, 2269, 2270, 2271, 2272, 2273, 2274, 2275, 2276, 2277, 2278, 2279, 2280, 2281, 2282, 2283, 2284, 2285, 2286, 2287, 2288, 2289, 2290, 2291, 2292, 2293, 2294, 2295, 2296, 2297, 2298, 2299, 2300, 2301, 2302, 2303, 2304, 2305, 2306, 2307, 2308, 2309, 2310, 2311, 2312, 2313, 2314, 2315, 2316, 2317, 2318, 2319, 2320, 2321, 2322, 2323, 2324, 2325, 2326, 2327, 2328, 2329, 2330, 2331, 2332, 2333, 2334, 2335, 2336, 2337, 2338, 2339, 2340, 2341, 2342, 2343, 2344, 2345, 2346, 2347, 2348, 2349, 2350, 2351, 2352, 2353, 2354, 2355, 2356, 2357, 2358, 2359, 2360, 2361, 2362, 2363, 2364, 2365, 2366, 2367, 2368, 2369, 2370, 2371, 2372, 2373, 2374, 2375, 2376, 2377, 2378, 2379, 2380, 2381, 2382, 2383, 2384, 2385, 2386, 2387, 2388, 2389, 2390, 2391, 2392, 2393, 2394, 2395, 2396, 2397, 2398, 2399, 2400, 2401, 2402, 2403, 2404, 2405, 2406, 2407, 2408, 2409, 2410, 2411, 2412, 2413, 2414, 2415, 2416, 2417, 2418, 2419, 2420, 2421, 2422, 2423, 2424, 2425, 2426, 2427, 2428, 2429, 2430, 2431, 2432, 2433, 2434, 2435, 2436, 2437, 2438, 2439, 2440, 2441, 2442, 2443, 2444, 2445, 2446, 2447, 2448, 2449, 2450, 2451, 2452, 2453, 2454, 2455, 2456, 2457, 2458, 2459, 2460, 2461, 2462, 2463, 2464, 2465, 2466, 2467, 2468, 2469, 2470, 2471, 2472, 2473, 2474, 2475, 2476, 2477, 2478, 2479, 2480, 2481, 2482, 2483, 2484, 2485, 2486, 2487, 2488, 2489, 2490, 2491, 2492, 2493, 2494, 2495, 2496, 2497, 2498, 2499, 2500, 2501, 2502, 2503, 2504, 2505, 2506, 2507, 2508, 2509, 2510, 2511, 2512, 2513, 2514, 2515, 2516, 2517, 2518, 2519, 2520, 2521, 2522, 2523, 2524, 2525, 2526, 2527, 2528, 2529, 2530, 2531, 2532, 2533, 2534, 2535, 2536, 2537, 2538, 2539, 2540, 2541, 2542, 2543, 2544, 2545, 2546, 2547, 2548, 2549, 2550, 2551, 2552, 2553, 2554, 2555, 2556, 2557, 2558, 2559, 2560, 2561, 2562, 2563, 2564, 2565, 2566, 2567, 2568, 2569, 2570, 2571, 2572, 2573, 2574, 2575, 2576, 2577, 2578, 2579, 2580, 2581, 2582, 2583, 2584, 2585, 2586, 2587, 2588, 2589, 2590, 2591, 2592, 2593, 2594, 2595, 2596, 2597, 2598, 2599, 2600, 2601, 2602, 2603, 2604, 2605, 2606, 2607, 2608, 2609, 2610, 2611, 2612, 2613, 2614, 2615, 2616, 2617, 2618, 2619, 2620, 2621, 2622, 2623, 2624, 2625, 2626, 2627, 2628, 2629, 2630, 2631, 2632, 2633, 2634, 2635, 2636, 2637, 2638, 2639, 2640, 2641, 2642, 2643, 2644, 2645, 2646, 2647, 2648, 2649, 2650, 2651, 2652, 2653, 2654, 2655, 2656, 2657, 2658, 2659, 2660, 2661, 2662, 2663, 2664, 2665, 2666, 2667, 2668, 2669, 2670, 2671, 2672, 2673, 2674, 2675, 2676, 2677, 2678, 2679, 2680, 2681, 2682, 2683, 2684, 2685, 2686, 2687, 2688, 2689, 2690, 2691, 2692, 2693, 2694, 2695, 2696, 2697, 2698, 2699, 2700, 2701, 2702, 2703, 2704, 2705, 2706, 2707, 2708, 2709, 2710, 2711, 2712, 2713, 2714, 2715, 2716, 2717, 2718, 2719, 2720, 2721, 2722, 2723, 2724, 2725, 2726, 2727, 2728, 2729, 2730, 2731, 2732, 2733, 2734, 2735, 2736, 2737, 2738, 2739, 2740, 2741, 2742, 2743, 2744, 2745, 2746, 2747, 2748, 2749, 2750, 2751, 2752, 2753, 2754, 2755, 2756, 2757, 2758, 2759, 2760, 2761, 2762, 2763, 2764, 2765, 2766, 2767, 2768, 2769, 2770, 2771, 2772, 2773, 2774, 2775, 2776, 2777, 2778, 2779, 2780, 2781, 2782, 2783, 2784, 2785, 2786, 2787, 2788, 2789, 2790, 2791, 2792, 2793, 2794, 2795, 2796, 2797, 2798, 2799, 2800, 2801, 2802, 2803, 2804, 2805, 2806, 2807, 2808, 2809, 2810, 2811, 2812, 2813, 2814, 2815, 2816, 2817, 2818, 2819, 2820, 2821, 2822, 2823, 2824, 2825, 2826, 2827, 2828, 2829, 2830, 2831, 2832, 2833, 2834, 2835, 2836, 2837, 2838, 2839, 2840, 2841, 2842, 2843, 2844, 2845, 2846, 2847, 2848, 2849, 2850, 2851, 2852, 2853, 2854, 2855, 2856, 2857, 2858, 2859, 2860, 2861, 2862, 2863, 2864, 2865, 2866, 2867, 2868, 2869, 2870, 2871, 2872, 2873, 2874, 2875, 2876, 2877, 2878, 2879, 2880, 2881, 2882, 2883, 2884, 2885, 2886, 2887, 2888, 2889, 2890, 2891, 2892, 2893, 2894, 2895, 2896, 2897, 2898, 2899, 2900, 2901, 2902, 2903, 2904, 2905, 2906, 2907, 2908, 2909, 2910, 2911, 2912, 2913, 2914, 2915, 2916, 2917, 2918, 2919, 2920, 2921, 2922, 2923, 2924, 2925, 2926, 2927, 2928, 2929, 2930, 2931, 2932, 2933, 2934, 2935, 2936, 2937, 2938, 2939, 2940, 2941, 2942, 2943, 2944, 2945, 2946, 2947, 2948, 2949, 2950, 2951, 2952, 2953, 2954, 2955, 2956, 2957, 2958, 2959, 2960, 2961, 2962, 2963, 2964, 2965, 2966, 2967, 2968, 2969, 2970, 2971, 2972, 2973, 2974, 2975, 2976, 2977, 2978, 2979, 2980, 2981, 2982, 2983, 2984, 2985, 2986, 2987, 2988, 2989, 2990, 2991, 2992, 2993, 2994, 2995, 2996, 2997, 2998, 2999, 3000, 3001, 3002, 3003, 3004, 3005, 3006, 3007, 3008, 3009, 3010, 3011, 3012, 3013, 3014, 3015, 3016, 3017, 3018, 3019, 3020, 3021, 3022, 3023, 3024, 3025, 3026, 3027, 3028, 3029, 3030, 3031, 3032, 3033, 3034, 3035, 3036, 3037, 3038, 3039, 3040, 3041, 3042, 3043, 3044, 3045, 3046, 3047, 3048, 3049, 3050, 3051, 3052, 3053, 3054, 3055, 3056, 3057, 3058, 3059, 3060, 3061, 3062, 3063, 3064, 3065, 3066, 3067, 3068, 3069, 3070, 3071, 3072, 3073, 3074, 3075, 3076, 3077, 3078, 3079, 3080, 3081, 3082, 3083, 3084, 3085, 3086, 3087, 3088, 3089, 3090, 3091, 3092, 3093, 3094, 3095, 3096, 3097, 3098, 3099, 3100, 3101, 3102, 3103, 3104, 3105, 3106, 3107, 3108, 3109, 3110, 3111, 3112, 3113, 3114, 3115, 3116, 3117, 3118, 3119, 3120, 3121, 3122, 3123, 3124, 3125, 3126, 3127, 3128, 3129, 3130, 3131, 3132, 3133, 3134, 3135, 3136, 3137, 3138, 3139, 3140, 3141, 3142, 3143, 3144, 3145, 3146, 3147, 3148, 3149, 3150, 3151, 3152, 3153, 3154, 3155, 3156, 3157, 3158, 3159, 3160, 3161, 3162, 3163, 3164, 3165, 3166, 3167, 3168, 3169, 3170, 3171, 3172, 3173, 3174, 3175, 3176, 3177, 3178, 3179, 3180, 3181, 3182, 3183, 3184, 3185, 3186, 3187, 3188, 3189, 3190, 3191, 3192, 3193, 3194, 3195, 3196, 3197, 3198, 3199, 3200, 3201, 3202, 3203, 3204, 3205, 3206, 3207, 3208, 3209, 3210, 3211, 3212, 3213, 3214, 3215, 3216, 3217, 3218, 3219, 3220, 3221, 3222, 3223, 3224, 3225, 3226, 3227, 3228, 3229, 3230, 3231, 3232, 3233, 3234, 3235, 3236, 3237, 3238, 3239, 3240, 3241, 3242, 3243, 3244, 3245, 3246, 3247, 3248, 3249, and 3250 nucleotides. The length of any filler region for the viral genome may be 50-100, 100-150, 150-200, 200-250, 250-300, 300-350, 350-400, 400-450, 450-500, 500-550, 550-600, 600-650, 650-700, 700-750, 750-800, 800-850, 850-900, 900-950, 950-1000, 1000-1050, 1050-1100, 1100-1150, 1150-1200, 1200-1250, 1250-1300, 1300-1350, 1350-1400, 1400-1450, 1450-1500, 1500-1550, 1550-1600, 1600-1650, 1650-1700, 1700-1750, 1750-1800, 1800-1850, 1850-1900, 1900-1950, 1950-2000, 2000-2050, 2050-2100, 2100-2150, 2150-2200, 2200-2250, 2250-2300, 2300-2350, 2350-2400, 2400-2450, 2450-2500, 2500-2550, 2550-2600, 2600-2650, 2650-2700, 2700-2750, 2750-2800, 2800-2850, 2850-2900, 2900-2950, 2950-3000, 3000-3050, 3050-3100, 3100-3150, 3150-3200, and 3200-3250 nucleotides. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 55 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 56 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 97 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 103 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 105 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 357 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 363 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 712 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 714 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 1203 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 1209 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 1512 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 1519 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 2395 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 2403 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 2405 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 3013 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a filler region that is about 3021 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the AAV particle viral genome may comprise at least one enhancer sequence region. The enhancer sequence region(s) may, independently, have a length such as, but not limited to, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, and 400 nucleotides. The length of the enhancer region for the viral genome may be 300-310, 300-325, 305-315, 310-320, 315-325, 320-330, 325-335, 325-350, 330-340, 335-345, 340-350, 345-355, 350-360, 350-375, 355-365, 360-370, 365-375, 370-380, 375-385, 375-400, 380-390, 385-395, and 390-400 nucleotides. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises an enhancer region that is about 303 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises an enhancer region that is about 382 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the AAV particle viral genome may comprise at least one promoter sequence region. The promoter sequence region(s) may, independently, have a length such as, but not limited to, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, 499, 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508, 509, 510, 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, 517, 518, 519, 520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, 528, 529, 530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 537, 538, 539, 540, 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546, 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 565, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 577, 578, 579, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 594, 595, 596, 597, 598, 599, and 600 nucleotides. The length of the promoter region for the viral genome may be 4-10, 10-20, 10-50, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, 50-60, 50-100, 60-70, 70-80, 80-90, 90-100, 100-110, 100-150, 110-120, 120-130, 130-140, 140-150, 150-160, 150-200, 160-170, 170-180, 180-190, 190-200, 200-210, 200-250, 210-220, 220-230, 230-240, 240-250, 250-260, 250-300, 260-270, 270-280, 280-290, 290-300, 300-310, 300-350, 310-320, 320-330, 330-340, 340-350, 350-360, 350-400, 360-370, 370-380, 380-390, 390-400, 400-410, 400-450, 410-420, 420-430, 430-440, 440-450, 450-460, 450-500, 460-470, 470-480, 480-490, 490-500, 500-510, 500-550, 510-520, 520-530, 530-540, 540-550, 550-560, 550-600, 560-570, 570-580, 580-590, and 590-600 nucleotides. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a promoter region that is about 4 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a promoter region that is about 17 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a promoter region that is about 204 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a promoter region that is about 219 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a promoter region that is about 260 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a promoter region that is about 303 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a promoter region that is about 382 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a promoter region that is about 588 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the AAV particle viral genome may comprise at least one exon sequence region. The exon region(s) may, independently, have a length such as, but not limited to, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150 nucleotides. The length of the exon region for the viral genome may be 2-10, 5-10, 5-15, 10-20, 10-30, 10-40, 15-20, 15-25, 20-30, 20-40, 20-50, 25-30, 25-35, 30-40, 30-50, 30-60, 35-40, 35-45, 40-50, 40-60, 40-70, 45-50, 45-55, 50-60, 50-70, 50-80, 55-60, 55-65, 60-70, 60-80, 60-90, 65-70, 65-75, 70-80, 70-90, 70-100, 75-80, 75-85, 80-90, 80-100, 80-110, 85-90, 85-95, 90-100, 90-110, 90-120, 95-100, 95-105, 100-110, 100-120, 100-130, 105-110, 105-115, 110-120, 110-130, 110-140, 115-120, 115-125, 120-130, 120-140, 120-150, 125-130, 125-135, 130-140, 130-150, 135-140, 135-145, 140-150, and 145-150 nucleotides. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises an exon region that is about 53 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises an exon region that is about 134 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the AAV particle viral genome may comprise at least one intron sequence region. The intron region(s) may, independently, have a length such as, but not limited to, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, and 350 nucleotides. The length of the intron region for the viral genome may be 25-35, 25-50, 35-45, 45-55, 50-75, 55-65, 65-75, 75-85, 75-100, 85-95, 95-105, 100-125, 105-115, 115-125, 125-135, 125-150, 135-145, 145-155, 150-175, 155-165, 165-175, 175-185, 175-200, 185-195, 195-205, 200-225, 205-215, 215-225, 225-235, 225-250, 235-245, 245-255, 250-275, 255-265, 265-275, 275-285, 275-300, 285-295, 295-305, 300-325, 305-315, 315-325, 325-335, 325-350, and 335-345 nucleotides. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises an intron region that is about 32 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises an intron region that is about 172 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises an intron region that is about 201 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises an intron region that is about 347 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the AAV particle viral genome may comprise at least one polyadenylation signal sequence region. The polyadenylation signal region sequence region(s) may, independently, have a length such as, but not limited to, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, 499, 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508, 509, 510, 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, 517, 518, 519, 520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, 528, 529, 530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 537, 538, 539, 540, 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546, 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 565, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 577, 578, 579, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 594, 595, 596, 597, 598, 599, and 600 nucleotides. The length of the polyadenylation signal sequence region for the viral genome may be 4-10, 10-20, 10-50, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, 50-60, 50-100, 60-70, 70-80, 80-90, 90-100, 100-110, 100-150, 110-120, 120-130, 130-140, 140-150, 150-160, 150-200, 160-170, 170-180, 180-190, 190-200, 200-210, 200-250, 210-220, 220-230, 230-240, 240-250, 250-260, 250-300, 260-270, 270-280, 280-290, 290-300, 300-310, 300-350, 310-320, 320-330, 330-340, 340-350, 350-360, 350-400, 360-370, 370-380, 380-390, 390-400, 400-410, 400-450, 410-420, 420-430, 430-440, 440-450, 450-460, 450-500, 460-470, 470-480, 480-490, 490-500, 500-510, 500-550, 510-520, 520-530, 530-540, 540-550, 550-560, 550-600, 560-570, 570-580, 580-590, and 590-600 nucleotides. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a polyadenylation signal sequence region that is about 127 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a polyadenylation signal sequence region that is about 225 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a polyadenylation signal sequence region that is about 476 nucleotides in length. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a polyadenylation signal sequence region that is about 477 nucleotides in length.

In one embodiment, the AAV particle viral genome comprises more than one polyA signal sequence region.

Non-limiting examples of ITR to ITR sequences of AAV particles comprising a viral genome with a payload region comprising a modulatory polynucleotide sequence are described in Table 9.

TABLE 9 ITR to ITR Sequences of AAV Particles comprising Modulatory Polynucleotides Modulatory ITR to ITR ITR to ITR Polynucleotide Construct Name SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO VOYSOD10 122 65 VOYSOD11 123 63 VOYSOD12 124 74 VOYSOD13 125 62 VOYSOD14 126 66 VOYSOD15 127 73 VOYSOD16 128 62 VOYSOD17 129 65 VOYSOD18 130 77 VOYSOD19 131 75 VOYSOD20 132 78 VOYSOD21 133 64 VOYSOD22 134 68 VOYSOD23 135 72 VOYSOD24 136 70 VOYSOD25 137 60 VOYSOD26 138 61 VOYSOD27 139 76 VOYSOD28 140 71 VOYSOD29 141 69 VOYSOD30 142 59 VOYSOD31 143 67 VOYSOD32 144 79 VOYSOD33 145 62 VOYSOD34 146 65

In one embodiment, the AAV particle comprises a viral genome which comprises a sequence which has a percent identity to any of SEQ ID NOs: 122-146. The viral genome may have 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 100% identity to any of SEQ ID NOs: 122-146. The viral genome may have 1-10%, 10-20%, 30-40%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-99%, 50-100%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 60-99%, 60-100%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-99%, 70-100%, 80-85%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-99%, 80-100%, 90-95%, 90-99%, or 90-100% to any of SEQ ID NOs: 122-146. As a non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a sequence which as 80% identity to any of SEQ ID NO: 122-146. As another non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a sequence which as 85% identity to any of SEQ ID NO: 122-146. As another non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a sequence which as 90% identity to any of SEQ ID NO: 122-146. As another non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a sequence which as 95% identity to any of SEQ ID NO: 122-146. As another non-limiting example, the viral genome comprises a sequence which as 99% identity to any of SEQ ID NO: 122-146.

AAV particles may be modified to enhance the efficiency of delivery. Such modified AAV particles comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding the siRNA molecules of the present invention can be packaged efficiently and can be used to successfully infect the target cells at high frequency and with minimal toxicity.

In some embodiments, the AAV particle comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the siRNA molecules of the present invention may be a human serotype AAV particle. Such human AAV particle may be derived from any known serotype, e.g., from any one of serotypes AAV1-AAV11. As non-limiting examples, AAV particles may be vectors comprising an AAV1-derived genome in an AAV1-derived capsid; vectors comprising an AAV2-derived genome in an AAV2-derived capsid; vectors comprising an AAV4-derived genome in an AAV4 derived capsid; vectors comprising an AAV6-derived genome in an AAV6 derived capsid or vectors comprising an AAV9-derived genome in an AAV9 derived capsid.

In other embodiments, the AAV particle comprising a nucleic acid sequence for encoding siRNA molecules of the present invention may be a pseudotyped hybrid or chimeric AAV particle which contains sequences and/or components originating from at least two different AAV serotypes. Pseudotyped AAV particles may be vectors comprising an AAV genome derived from one AAV serotype and a capsid protein derived at least in part from a different AAV serotype. As non-limiting examples, such pseudotyped AAV particles may be vectors comprising an AAV2-derived genome in an AAV1-derived capsid; or vectors comprising an AAV2-derived genome in an AAV6-derived capsid; or vectors comprising an AAV2-derived genome in an AAV4-derived capsid; or an AAV2-derived genome in an AAV9-derived capsid. In like fashion, the present invention contemplates any hybrid or chimeric AAV particle.

In other embodiments, AAV particles comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the siRNA molecules of the present invention may be used to deliver siRNA molecules to the central nervous system (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,180,613; the contents of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety).

In some aspects, the AAV particles comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the siRNA molecules of the present invention may further comprise a modified capsid including peptides from non-viral origin. In other aspects, the AAV particle may contain a CNS specific chimeric capsid to facilitate the delivery of encoded siRNA duplexes into the brain and the spinal cord. For example, an alignment of cap nucleotide sequences from AAV variants exhibiting CNS tropism may be constructed to identify variable region (VR) sequence and structure.

In other embodiments, the siRNA molecules of the present invention can be encoded in plasmid vectors, viral vectors (e.g., AAV vectors), genome or other nucleic acid expression vectors for delivery to a cell.

DNA expression plasmids can be used to stably express the siRNA duplexes or dsRNA of the present invention in cells and achieve long-term inhibition of target gene.

In one aspect, the sense and antisense strands of a siRNA duplex encoded by a SOD1 targeting polynucleotide are typically linked by a short spacer sequence leading to the expression of a stem-loop structure termed short hairpin RNA (shRNA). The hairpin is recognized and cleaved by Dicer, thus generating mature siRNA molecules.

According to the present invention, AAV vectors comprising the nucleic acids of the siRNA molecules targeting SOD1 mRNA are produced, the AAV vectors may be AAV1, AAV2, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAV9.47, AAV9(hu14), AAV10, AAV11, AAV12, AAVrh8, AAVrh10, AAV-DJ8 and AAV-DJ, and variants thereof.

In some embodiments, the siRNA duplexes or dsRNA of the present invention when expressed suppress (or degrade) target mRNA (i.e. SOD1). Accordingly, the siRNA duplexes or dsRNA encoded by a SOD1 targeting polynucleotide can be used to substantially inhibit SOD1 gene expression in a cell, for example a motor neuron. In some aspects, the inhibition of SOD1 gene expression refers to an inhibition by at least about 20%, preferably by at least about 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% and 100%. Accordingly, the protein product of the targeted gene may be inhibited by at least about 20%, preferably by at least about 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% and 100%. The SOD1 gene can be either a wild type gene or a mutated SOD1 gene with at least one mutation. Accordingly, the protein is either wild type protein or a mutated polypeptide with at least one mutation.

Viral Production

The present disclosure provides a method for the generation of parvoviral particles, e.g. AAV particles, by viral genome replication in a viral replication cell comprising contacting the viral replication cell with an AAV polynucleotide or AAV genome.

The present disclosure provides a method for producing an AAV particle having enhanced (increased, improved) transduction efficiency comprising the steps of: 1) co-transfecting competent bacterial cells with a bacmid vector and either a viral construct vector and/or AAV payload construct vector, 2) isolating the resultant viral construct expression vector and AAV payload construct expression vector and separately transfecting viral replication cells, 3) isolating and purifying resultant payload and viral construct particles comprising viral construct expression vector or AAV payload construct expression vector, 4) co-infecting a viral replication cell with both the AAV payload and viral construct particles comprising viral construct expression vector or AAV payload construct expression vector, 5) harvesting and purifying the viral particle comprising a parvoviral genome.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing an AAV particle comprising the steps of 1) simultaneously co-transfecting mammalian cells, such as, but not limited to HEK293 cells, with a payload region, a construct expressing rep and cap genes and a helper construct, 2) harvesting and purifying the AAV particle comprising a viral genome.

Cells

The present disclosure provides a cell comprising an AAV polynucleotide and/or AAV genome.

Viral production disclosed herein describes processes and methods for producing AAV particles that contact a target cell to deliver a payload construct, e.g. a recombinant viral construct, which comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a payload molecule.

In one embodiment, the AAV particles may be produced in a viral replication cell that comprises an insect cell.

Growing conditions for insect cells in culture, and production of heterologous products in insect cells in culture are well-known in the art, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,204,059, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Any insect cell which allows for replication of parvovirus and which can be maintained in culture can be used in accordance with the present invention. Cell lines may be used from Spodoptera frugiperda, including, but not limited to the Sf9 or Sf21 cell lines, Drosophila cell lines, or mosquito cell lines, such as Aedes albopictus derived cell lines. Use of insect cells for expression of heterologous proteins is well documented, as are methods of introducing nucleic acids, such as vectors, e.g., insect-cell compatible vectors, into such cells and methods of maintaining such cells in culture. See, for example, Methods in Molecular Biology, ed. Richard, Humana Press, N J (1995); O'Reilly et al., Baculovirus Expression Vectors, A Laboratory Manual, Oxford Univ. Press (1994); Samulski et al., J. Vir. 63:3822-8 (1989); Kajigaya et al., Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. USA 88: 4646-50 (1991); Ruffing et al., J. Vir. 66:6922-30 (1992); Kimbauer et al., Vir. 219:37-44 (1996); Zhao et al., Vir. 272:382-93 (2000); and Samulski et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,204,059, the contents of each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The viral replication cell may be selected from any biological organism, including prokaryotic (e.g., bacterial) cells, and eukaryotic cells, including, insect cells, yeast cells and mammalian cells. Viral replication cells may comprise mammalian cells such as A549, WEH1, 3T3, 10T1/2, BHK, MDCK, COS 1, COS 7, BSC 1, BSC 40, BMT 10, VERO. W138, HeLa, HEK293, Saos, C2C12, L cells, HT1080, HepG2 and primary fibroblast, hepatocyte and myoblast cells derived from mammals. Viral replication cells comprise cells derived from mammalian species including, but not limited to, human, monkey, mouse, rat, rabbit, and hamster or cell type, including but not limited to fibroblast, hepatocyte, tumor cell, cell line transformed cell, etc.

Mammalian Cell (Small Scale) Production

Viral production disclosed herein describes processes and methods for producing AAV particles that contact a target cell to deliver a payload, e.g. a recombinant viral construct, which comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a payload.

In one embodiment, the AAV particles may be produced in a viral replication cell that comprises a mammalian cell.

Viral replication cells commonly used for production of recombinant AAV particles include, but are not limited to 293 cells, COS cells, HeLa cells, KB cells, and other mammalian cell lines as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,156,303, 5,387,484, 5,741,683, 5,691,176, and 5,688,676; U.S. patent application 2002/0081721, and International Patent Applications WO 00/47757, WO 00/24916, and WO 96/17947, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

In one embodiment, AAV particles are produced in mammalian-cells wherein all three VP proteins are expressed at a stoichiometry approaching 1:1:10 (VP1:VP2:VP3). The regulatory mechanisms that allow this controlled level of expression include the production of two mRNAs, one for VP1, and the other for VP2 and VP3, produced by differential splicing.

In another embodiment, AAV particles are produced in mammalian cells using a triple transfection method wherein a payload construct, parvoviral Rep and parvoviral Cap and a helper construct are comprised within three different constructs. The triple transfection method of the three components of AAV particle production may be utilized to produce small lots of virus for assays including transduction efficiency, target tissue (tropism) evaluation, and stability.

Baculovirus

Particle production disclosed herein describes processes and methods for producing AAV particles that contact a target cell to deliver a payload construct which comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a payload.

Briefly, the viral construct vector and the AAV payload construct vector are each incorporated by a transposon donor/acceptor system into a bacmid, also known as a baculovirus plasmid, by standard molecular biology techniques known and performed by a person skilled in the art. Transfection of separate viral replication cell populations produces two baculoviruses, one that comprises the viral construct expression vector, and another that comprises the AAV payload construct expression vector. The two baculoviruses may be used to infect a single viral replication cell population for production of AAV particles.

Baculovirus expression vectors for producing viral particles in insect cells, including but not limited to Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells, provide high titers of viral particle product. Recombinant baculovirus encoding the viral construct expression vector and AAV payload construct expression vector initiates a productive infection of viral replicating cells. Infectious baculovirus particles released from the primary infection secondarily infect additional cells in the culture, exponentially infecting the entire cell culture population in a number of infection cycles that is a function of the initial multiplicity of infection, see Urabe, M. et al., J Virol. 2006 February; 80 (4):1874-85, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Production of AAV particles with baculovirus in an insect cell system may address known baculovirus genetic and physical instability. In one embodiment, the production system addresses baculovirus instability over multiple passages by utilizing a titerless infected-cells preservation and scale-up system. Small scale seed cultures of viral producing cells are transfected with viral expression constructs encoding the structural, non-structural, components of the viral particle. Baculovirus-infected viral producing cells are harvested into aliquots that may be cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen; the aliquots retain viability and infectivity for infection of large scale viral producing cell culture Wasilko D J et al., Protein Expr Purif. 2009 June; 65(2):122-32, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

A genetically stable baculovirus may be used to produce source of the one or more of the components for producing AAV particles in invertebrate cells. In one embodiment, defective baculovirus expression vectors may be maintained episomally in insect cells. In such an embodiment the bacmid vector is engineered with replication control elements, including but not limited to promoters, enhancers, and/or cell-cycle regulated replication elements.

In one embodiment, baculoviruses may be engineered with a (non-) selectable marker for recombination into the chitinase/cathepsin locus. The chia/v-cath locus is non-essential for propagating baculovirus in tissue culture, and the V-cath (EC 3.4.22.50) is a cysteine endoprotease that is most active on Arg-Arg dipeptide containing substrates. The Arg-Arg dipeptide is present in densovirus and parvovirus capsid structural proteins but infrequently occurs in dependovirus VP1.

In one embodiment, stable viral replication cells permissive for baculovirus infection are engineered with at least one stable integrated copy of any of the elements necessary for AAV replication and viral particle production including, but not limited to, the entire AAV genome, Rep and Cap genes, Rep genes, Cap genes, each Rep protein as a separate transcription cassette, each VP protein as a separate transcription cassette, the AAP (assembly activation protein), or at least one of the baculovirus helper genes with native or non-native promoters.

AAV particles described herein may be produced by triple transfection or baculovirus mediated virus production, or any other method known in the art. Any suitable permissive or packaging cell known in the art may be employed to produce the vectors. Mammalian cells are often preferred. Also preferred are trans-complementing packaging cell lines that provide functions deleted from a replication-defective helper virus, e.g., 293 cells or other E1a trans-complementing cells.

The gene cassette may contain some or all of the parvovirus (e.g., AAV) cap and rep genes. Preferably, however, some or all of the cap and rep functions are provided in trans by introducing a packaging vector(s) encoding the capsid and/or Rep proteins into the cell. Most preferably, the gene cassette does not encode the capsid or Rep proteins. Alternatively, a packaging cell line is used that is stably transformed to express the cap and/or rep genes.

Recombinant AAV virus particles are, in some cases, produced and purified from culture supernatants according to the procedure as described in US20160032254, the contents of which are incorporated by reference. Production may also involve methods known in the art including those using 293T cells, sf9 insect cells, triple transfection or any suitable production method.

In some cases, 293T cells (adhesion/suspension) are transfected with polyethylenimine (PEI) with plasmids required for production of AAV, i.e., AAV2 rep, an adenoviral helper construct and a ITR flanked transgene cassette. The AAV2 rep plasmid also contains the cap sequence of the particular virus being studied. Twenty-four hours after transfection (no medium changes for suspension), which occurs in DMEM/F17 with/without serum, the medium is replaced with fresh medium with or without serum. Three (3) days after transfection, a sample is taken from the culture medium of the 293 adherent cells. Subsequently cells are scraped, or suspension cells are pelleted, and transferred into a receptacle. For adhesion cells, after centrifugation to remove cellular pellet, a second sample is taken from the supernatant after scraping. Next, cell lysis is achieved by three consecutive freeze-thaw cycles (−80 C to 37 C) or adding detergent triton. Cellular debris is removed by centrifugation or depth filtration and sample 3 is taken from the medium. The samples are quantified for AAV particles by DNase resistant genome titration by DNA qPCR. The total production yield from such a transfection is equal to the particle concentration from sample 3.

AAV particle titers are measured according to genome copy number (genome particles per milliliter). Genome particle concentrations are based on DNA qPCR of the vector DNA as previously reported (Clark et al. (1999) Hum. Gene Ther., 10:1031-1039; Veldwijk et al. (2002) Mol. Ther., 6:272-278).

Large-Scale Production

In some embodiments, AAV particle production may be modified to increase the scale of production. Large scale viral production methods according to the present disclosure may include any of those taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,756,283, 6,258,595, 6,261,551, 6,270,996, 6,281,010, 6,365,394, 6,475,769, 6,482,634, 6,485,966, 6,943,019, 6,953,690, 7,022,519, 7,238,526, 7,291,498 and 7,491,508 or International Publication Nos. WO1996039530, WO1998010088, WO1999014354, WO1999015685, WO1999047691, WO2000055342, WO2000075353 and WO2001023597, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Methods of increasing viral particle production scale typically comprise increasing the number of viral replication cells. In some embodiments, viral replication cells comprise adherent cells. To increase the scale of viral particle production by adherent viral replication cells, larger cell culture surfaces are required. In some cases, large-scale production methods comprise the use of roller bottles to increase cell culture surfaces. Other cell culture substrates with increased surface areas are known in the art. Examples of additional adherent cell culture products with increased surface areas include, but are not limited to CELLSTACK®, CELLCUBE® (Corning Corp., Corning, N.Y.) and NUNC™ CELL FACTORY′ (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, Mass.) In some cases, large-scale adherent cell surfaces may comprise from about 1,000 cm² to about 100,000 cm². In some cases, large-scale adherent cell cultures may comprise from about 10⁷ to about 10⁹ cells, from about 10⁸ to about 10¹⁰ cells, from about 10⁹ to about 10¹² cells or at least 10¹² cells. In some cases, large-scale adherent cultures may produce from about 10⁹ to about 10¹², from about 10¹⁰ to about 10¹³, from about 10¹¹ to about 10¹⁴, from about 10¹² to about 10¹⁵ or at least 10¹⁵ viral particles.

In some embodiments, large-scale viral production methods of the present disclosure may comprise the use of suspension cell cultures. Suspension cell culture allows for significantly increased numbers of cells. Typically, the number of adherent cells that can be grown on about 10-50 cm² of surface area can be grown in about 1 cm³ volume in suspension.

Transfection of replication cells in large-scale culture formats may be carried out according to any methods known in the art. For large-scale adherent cell cultures, transfection methods may include, but are not limited to the use of inorganic compounds (e.g. calcium phosphate), organic compounds [e.g. polyethyleneimine (PEI)] or the use of non-chemical methods (e.g. electroporation.) With cells grown in suspension, transfection methods may include, but are not limited to the use of calcium phosphate and the use of PEI. In some cases, transfection of large scale suspension cultures may be carried out according to the section entitled “Transfection Procedure” described in Feng, L. et al., 2008. Biotechnol Appl. Biochem. 50:121-32, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. According to such embodiments, PEI-DNA complexes may be formed for introduction of plasmids to be transfected. In some cases, cells being transfected with PEI-DNA complexes may be ‘shocked’ prior to transfection. This comprises lowering cell culture temperatures to 4° C. for a period of about 1 hour. In some cases, cell cultures may be shocked for a period of from about 10 minutes to about 5 hours. In some cases, cell cultures may be shocked at a temperature of from about 0° C. to about 20° C.

In some cases, transfections may include one or more vectors for expression of an RNA effector molecule to reduce expression of nucleic acids from one or more AAV payload construct. Such methods may enhance the production of viral particles by reducing cellular resources wasted on expressing payload constructs. In some cases, such methods may be carried according to those taught in US Publication No. US2014/0099666, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Bioreactors

In some embodiments, cell culture bioreactors may be used for large scale viral production. In some cases, bioreactors comprise stirred tank reactors. Such reactors generally comprise a vessel, typically cylindrical in shape, with a stirrer (e.g. impeller.) In some embodiments, such bioreactor vessels may be placed within a water jacket to control vessel temperature and/or to minimize effects from ambient temperature changes. Bioreactor vessel volume may range in size from about 500 ml to about 2 L, from about 1 L to about 5 L, from about 2.5 L to about 20 L, from about 10 L to about 50 L, from about 25 L to about 100 L, from about 75 L to about 500 L, from about 250 L to about 2,000 L, from about 1,000 L to about 10,000 L, from about 5,000 L to about 50,000 L or at least 50,000 L. Vessel bottoms may be rounded or flat. In some cases, animal cell cultures may be maintained in bioreactors with rounded vessel bottoms.

In some cases, bioreactor vessels may be warmed through the use of a thermocirculator. Thermocirculators pump heated water around water jackets. In some cases, heated water may be pumped through pipes (e.g. coiled pipes) that are present within bioreactor vessels. In some cases, warm air may be circulated around bioreactors, including, but not limited to air space directly above culture medium. Additionally, pH and CO₂ levels may be maintained to optimize cell viability.

In some cases, bioreactors may comprise hollow-fiber reactors. Hollow-fiber bioreactors may support the culture of both anchorage dependent and anchorage independent cells. Further bioreactors may include, but are not limited to, packed-bed or fixed-bed bioreactors. Such bioreactors may comprise vessels with glass beads for adherent cell attachment. Further packed-bed reactors may comprise ceramic beads.

In some cases, viral particles are produced through the use of a disposable bioreactor. In some embodiments, such bioreactors may include WAVE™ disposable bioreactors.

In some embodiments, AAV particle production in animal cell bioreactor cultures may be carried out according to the methods taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,064,764, 6,194,191, 6,566,118, 8,137,948 or US Patent Application No. US2011/0229971, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Cell Lysis

Cells of the invention, including, but not limited to viral production cells, may be subjected to cell lysis according to any methods known in the art. Cell lysis may be carried out to obtain one or more agents (e.g. viral particles) present within any cells of the invention. In some embodiments, cell lysis may be carried out according to any of the methods listed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,326,555, 7,579,181, 7,048,920, 6,410,300, 6,436,394, 7,732,129, 7,510,875, 7,445,930, 6,726,907, 6,194,191, 7,125,706, 6,995,006, 6,676,935, 7,968,333, 5,756,283, 6,258,595, 6,261,551, 6,270,996, 6,281,010, 6,365,394, 6,475,769, 6,482,634, 6,485,966, 6,943,019, 6,953,690, 7,022,519, 7,238,526, 7,291,498 and 7,491,508 or International Publication Nos. WO1996039530, WO1998010088, WO1999014354, WO1999015685, WO1999047691, WO2000055342, WO2000075353 and WO2001023597, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Cell lysis methods may be chemical or mechanical. Chemical cell lysis typically comprises contacting one or more cells with one or more lysis agent. Mechanical lysis typically comprises subjecting one or more cells to one or more lysis condition and/or one or more lysis force.

In some embodiments, chemical lysis may be used to lyse cells. As used herein, the term “lysis agent” refers to any agent that may aid in the disruption of a cell. In some cases, lysis agents are introduced in solutions, termed lysis solutions or lysis buffers. As used herein, the term “lysis solution” refers to a solution (typically aqueous) comprising one or more lysis agent. In addition to lysis agents, lysis solutions may include one or more buffering agents, solubilizing agents, surfactants, preservatives, cryoprotectants, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors and/or chelators. Lysis buffers are lysis solutions comprising one or more buffering agent. Additional components of lysis solutions may include one or more solubilizing agent. As used herein, the term “solubilizing agent” refers to a compound that enhances the solubility of one or more components of a solution and/or the solubility of one or more entities to which solutions are applied. In some cases, solubilizing agents enhance protein solubility. In some cases, solubilizing agents are selected based on their ability to enhance protein solubility while maintaining protein conformation and/or activity.

Exemplary lysis agents may include any of those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,685,734, 7,901,921, 7,732,129, 7,223,585, 7,125,706, 8,236,495, 8,110,351, 7,419,956, 7,300,797, 6,699,706 and 6,143,567, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In some cases, lysis agents may be selected from lysis salts, amphoteric agents, cationic agents, ionic detergents and non-ionic detergents. Lysis salts may include, but are not limited to, sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl.) Further lysis salts may include any of those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,614,101, 7,326,555, 7,579,181, 7,048,920, 6,410,300, 6,436,394, 7,732,129, 7,510,875, 7,445,930, 6,726,907, 6,194,191, 7,125,706, 6,995,006, 6,676,935 and 7,968,333, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Concentrations of salts may be increased or decreased to obtain an effective concentration for rupture of cell membranes. Amphoteric agents, as referred to herein, are compounds capable of reacting as an acid or a base. Amphoteric agents may include, but are not limited to lysophosphatidylcholine, 3-((3-Cholamidopropyl) dimethylammonium)-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS), ZWITTERGENT® and the like, Cationic agents may include, but are not limited to, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (C (16) TAB) and Benzalkonium chloride. Lysis agents comprising detergents may include ionic detergents or non-ionic detergents. Detergents may function to break apart or dissolve cell structures including, but not limited to cell membranes, cell walls, lipids, carbohydrates, lipoproteins and glycoproteins. Exemplary ionic detergents include any of those taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,625,570 and 6,593,123 or US Publication No. US2014/0087361, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Some ionic detergents may include, but are not limited to, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), cholate and deoxycholate. In some cases, ionic detergents may be included in lysis solutions as a solubilizing agent. Non-ionic detergents may include, but are not limited to octylglucoside, digitonin, lubrol, C12E8, TWEEN®-20, TWEEN®-80, Triton X-100 and Noniodet P-40. Non-ionic detergents are typically weaker lysis agents but may be included as solubilizing agents for solubilizing cellular and/or viral proteins. Further lysis agents may include enzymes and urea. In some cases, one or more lysis agents may be combined in a lysis solution in order to enhance one or more of cell lysis and protein solubility. In some cases, enzyme inhibitors may be included in lysis solutions in order to prevent proteolysis that may be triggered by cell membrane disruption.

In some embodiments, mechanical cell lysis is carried out. Mechanical cell lysis methods may include the use of one or more lysis condition and/or one or more lysis force. As used herein, the term “lysis condition” refers to a state or circumstance that promotes cellular disruption. Lysis conditions may comprise certain temperatures, pressures, osmotic purity, salinity and the like. In some cases, lysis conditions comprise increased or decreased temperatures. According to some embodiments, lysis conditions comprise changes in temperature to promote cellular disruption. Cell lysis carried out according to such embodiments may include freeze-thaw lysis. As used herein, the term “freeze-thaw lysis” refers to cellular lysis in which a cell solution is subjected to one or more freeze-thaw cycle. According to freeze-thaw lysis methods, cells in solution are frozen to induce a mechanical disruption of cellular membranes caused by the formation and expansion of ice crystals. Cell solutions used according freeze-thaw lysis methods, may further comprise one or more lysis agents, solubilizing agents, buffering agents, cryoprotectants, surfactants, preservatives, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors and/or chelators. Once cell solutions subjected to freezing are thawed, such components may enhance the recovery of desired cellular products. In some cases, one or more cryoprotectants are included in cell solutions undergoing freeze-thaw lysis. As used herein, the term “cryoprotectant” refers to an agent used to protect one or more substance from damage due to freezing. Cryoprotectants may include any of those taught in US Publication No. US2013/0323302 or U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,503,888, 6,180,613, 7,888,096, 7,091,030, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In some cases, cryoprotectants may include, but are not limited to dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,2-propanediol, 2,3-butanediol, formamide, glycerol, ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol and n-dimethyl formamide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxyethyl starch, agarose, dextrans, inositol, glucose, hydroxyethylstarch, lactose, sorbitol, methyl glucose, sucrose and urea. In some embodiments, freeze-thaw lysis may be carried out according to any of the methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,704,721, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

As used herein, the term “lysis force” refers to a physical activity used to disrupt a cell. Lysis forces may include, but are not limited to mechanical forces, sonic forces, gravitational forces, optical forces, electrical forces and the like. Cell lysis carried out by mechanical force is referred to herein as “mechanical lysis.” Mechanical forces that may be used according to mechanical lysis may include high shear fluid forces. According to such methods of mechanical lysis, a microfluidizer may be used. Microfluidizers typically comprise an inlet reservoir where cell solutions may be applied. Cell solutions may then be pumped into an interaction chamber via a pump (e.g. high-pressure pump) at high speed and/or pressure to produce shear fluid forces. Resulting lysates may then be collected in one or more output reservoir. Pump speed and/or pressure may be adjusted to modulate cell lysis and enhance recovery of products (e.g. viral particles.) Other mechanical lysis methods may include physical disruption of cells by scraping.

Cell lysis methods may be selected based on the cell culture format of cells to be lysed. For example, with adherent cell cultures, some chemical and mechanical lysis methods may be used. Such mechanical lysis methods may include freeze-thaw lysis or scraping. In another example, chemical lysis of adherent cell cultures may be carried out through incubation with lysis solutions comprising surfactant, such as Triton-X-100. In some cases, cell lysates generated from adherent cell cultures may be treated with one more nuclease to lower the viscosity of the lysates caused by liberated DNA.

In one embodiment, a method for harvesting AAV particles without lysis may be used for efficient and scalable AAV particle production. In a non-limiting example, AAV particles may be produced by culturing an AAV particle lacking a heparin binding site, thereby allowing the AAV particle to pass into the supernatant, in a cell culture, collecting supernatant from the culture; and isolating the AAV particle from the supernatant, as described in US Patent Application 20090275107, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Clarification

Cell lysates comprising viral particles may be subjected to clarification. Clarification refers to initial steps taken in purification of viral particles from cell lysates. Clarification serves to prepare lysates for further purification by removing larger, insoluble debris. Clarification steps may include, but are not limited to, centrifugation and filtration. During clarification, centrifugation may be carried out at low speeds to remove larger debris only. Similarly, filtration may be carried out using filters with larger pore sizes so that only larger debris is removed. In some cases, tangential flow filtration may be used during clarification. Objectives of viral clarification include high throughput processing of cell lysates and to optimize ultimate viral recovery. Advantages of including a clarification step include scalability for processing of larger volumes of lysate. In some embodiments, clarification may be carried out according to any of the methods presented in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,524,446, 5,756,283, 6,258,595, 6,261,551, 6,270,996, 6,281,010, 6,365,394, 6,475,769, 6,482,634, 6,485,966, 6,943,019, 6,953,690, 7,022,519, 7,238,526, 7,291,498, 7,491,508, US Publication Nos. US2013/0045186, US2011/0263027, US2011/0151434, US2003/0138772, and International Publication Nos. WO2002012455, WO1996039530, WO1998010088, WO1999014354, WO1999015685, WO1999047691, WO2000055342, WO2000075353 and WO2001023597, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Methods of cell lysate clarification by filtration are well understood in the art and may be carried out according to a variety of available methods including, but not limited to passive filtration and flow filtration. Filters used may comprise a variety of materials and pore sizes. For example, cell lysate filters may comprise pore sizes of from about 1 μM to about 5 μM, from about 0.5 μM to about 2 μM, from about 0.1 μM to about 1 μM, from about 0.05 μM to about 0.05 μM and from about 0.001 μM to about 0.1μ.M. Exemplary pore sizes for cell lysate filters may include, but are not limited to, 2.0, 1.9, 1.8, 1.7, 1.6, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.95, 0.9, 0.85, 0.8, 0.75, 0.7, 0.65, 0.6, 0.55, 0.5, 0.45, 0.4, 0.35, 0.3, 0.25, 0.2, 0.15, 0.1, 0.05, 0.22, 0.21, 0.20, 0.19, 0.18, 0.17, 0.16, 0.15, 0.14, 0.13, 0.12, 0.11, 0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01, 0.02, 0.019, 0.018, 0.017, 0.016, 0.015, 0.014, 0.013, 0.012, 0.011, 0.01, 0.009, 0.008, 0.007, 0.006, 0.005, 0.004, 0.003, 0.002, 0.001 and 0.001 μM. In one embodiment, clarification may comprise filtration through a filter with 2.0 μM pore size to remove large debris, followed by passage through a filter with 0.45 μM pore size to remove intact cells.

Filter materials may be composed of a variety of materials. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, polymeric materials and metal materials (e.g. sintered metal and pored aluminum.) Exemplary materials may include, but are not limited to nylon, cellulose materials (e.g. cellulose acetate), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethersulfone, polyamide, polysulfone, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. In some cases, filters useful for clarification of cell lysates may include, but are not limited to ULTIPLEAT PROFILE™ filters (Pall Corporation, Port Washington, N.Y.), SUPOR™ membrane filters (Pall Corporation, Port Washington, N.Y.).

In some cases, flow filtration may be carried out to increase filtration speed and/or effectiveness. In some cases, flow filtration may comprise vacuum filtration. According to such methods, a vacuum is created on the side of the filter opposite that of cell lysate to be filtered. In some cases, cell lysates may be passed through filters by centrifugal forces. In some cases, a pump is used to force cell lysate through clarification filters. Flow rate of cell lysate through one or more filters may be modulated by adjusting one of channel size and/or fluid pressure.

According to some embodiments, cell lysates may be clarified by centrifugation. Centrifugation may be used to pellet insoluble particles in the lysate. During clarification, centrifugation strength [expressed in terms of gravitational units (g), which represents multiples of standard gravitational force] may be lower than in subsequent purification steps. In some cases, centrifugation may be carried out on cell lysates at from about 200 g to about 800 g, from about 500 g to about 1500 g, from about 1000 g to about 5000 g, from about 1200 g to about 10000 g or from about 8000 g to about 15000 g. In some embodiments, cell lysate centrifugation is carried out at 8000 g for 15 minutes. In some cases, density gradient centrifugation may be carried out in order to partition particulates in the cell lysate by sedimentation rate. Gradients used according to methods of the present disclosure may include, but are not limited to, cesium chloride gradients and iodixanol step gradients.

Purification: Chromatography

In some cases, AAV particles may be purified from clarified cell lysates by one or more methods of chromatography. Chromatography refers to any number of methods known in the art for separating out one or more elements from a mixture. Such methods may include, but are not limited to, ion exchange chromatography (e.g. cation exchange chromatography and anion exchange chromatography), immunoaffinity chromatography and size-exclusion chromatography. In some embodiments, methods of viral chromatography may include any of those taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,756,283, 6,258,595, 6,261,551, 6,270,996, 6,281,010, 6,365,394, 6,475,769, 6,482,634, 6,485,966, 6,943,019, 6,953,690, 7,022,519, 7,238,526, 7,291,498 and 7,491,508 or International Publication Nos. WO1996039530, WO1998010088, WO1999014354, WO1999015685, WO1999047691, WO2000055342, WO2000075353 and WO2001023597, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, ion exchange chromatography may be used to isolate viral particles. Ion exchange chromatography is used to bind viral particles based on charge-charge interactions between capsid proteins and charged sites present on a stationary phase, typically a column through which viral preparations (e.g. clarified lysates) are passed. After application of viral preparations, bound viral particles may then be eluted by applying an elution solution to disrupt the charge-charge interactions. Elution solutions may be optimized by adjusting salt concentration and/or pH to enhance recovery of bound viral particles. Depending on the charge of viral capsids being isolated, cation or anion exchange chromatography methods may be selected. Methods of ion exchange chromatography may include, but are not limited to, any of those taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,419,817, 6,143,548, 7,094,604, 6,593,123, 7,015,026 and 8,137,948, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, immunoaffinity chromatography may be used. Immunoaffinity chromatography is a form of chromatography that utilizes one or more immune compounds (e.g. antibodies or antibody-related structures) to retain viral particles. Immune compounds may bind specifically to one or more structures on viral particle surfaces, including, but not limited to one or more viral coat protein. In some cases, immune compounds may be specific for a particular viral variant. In some cases, immune compounds may bind to multiple viral variants. In some embodiments, immune compounds may include recombinant single-chain antibodies. Such recombinant single chain antibodies may include those described in Smith, R. H. et al., 2009. Mol. Ther. 17(11):1888-96, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Such immune compounds are capable of binding to several AAV capsid variants, including, but not limited to AAV1, AAV2, AAV6 and AAV8.

In some embodiments, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) may be used. SEC may comprise the use of a gel to separate particles according to size. In viral particle purification, SEC filtration is sometimes referred to as “polishing.” In some cases, SEC may be carried out to generate a final product that is near-homogenous. Such final products may in some cases be used in pre-clinical studies and/or clinical studies (Kotin, R. M. 2011. Human Molecular Genetics. 20(1):R2-R6, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.) In some cases, SEC may be carried out according to any of the methods taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,143,548, 7,015,026, 8,476,418, 6,410,300, 8,476,418, 7,419,817, 7,094,604, 6,593,123, and 8,137,948, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In one embodiment, the compositions comprising at least one AAV particle may be isolated or purified using the methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,874, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In one embodiment, the compositions comprising at least one AAV particle may be isolated or purified using the methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,660,514, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In one embodiment, the compositions comprising at least one AAV particle may be isolated or purified using the methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,283,151, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In one embodiment, the compositions comprising at least one AAV particle may be isolated or purified using the methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,524,446, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Introduction into Cells

To ensure the chemical and biological stability of siRNA duplexes, it is important to deliver polynucleotides encoding the siRNAs inside the target cells. The polynucleotides of the present invention may be introduced into cells using any of a variety of approaches.

In some embodiments, the polynucleotide of the present invention is introduced into a cell by contacting the cell with the polynucleotide. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is introduced into a cell by contacting the cell with a composition comprising the polynucleotide and a lipophilic carrier. In other embodiments, the polynucleotide is introduced into a cell by transfecting or infecting the cell with a vector comprising nucleic acid sequences capable of producing the siRNA duplex when transcribed in the cell.

In some embodiments, the siRNA duplex is introduced into a cell by injecting into the cell a vector comprising nucleic acid sequences capable of producing the siRNA duplex when transcribed in the cell.

In other embodiments, the polynucleotides of the present invention may be delivered into cells by electroporation (e.g. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20050014264; the content of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety).

In addition, the siRNA molecules inserted into viral vectors (e.g. AAV vectors) may be delivered into cells by viral infection. These viral vectors are engineered and optimized to facilitate the entry of siRNA molecule into cells that are not readily amendable to transfection. Also, some synthetic viral vectors possess an ability to integrate the shRNA into the cell genome, thereby leading to stable siRNA expression and long-term knockdown of a target gene. In this manner, viral vectors are engineered as vehicles for specific delivery while lacking the deleterious replication and/or integration features found in wild-type virus.

In some embodiments, the cells may include, but are not limited to, cells of mammalian origin, cells of human origins, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, neural stem cells, and neural progenitor cells.

Pharmaceutical Compositions and Formulation

In addition to the pharmaceutical compositions, e.g., siRNA duplexes (including the encoding plasmids or expression vectors, such as viruses, e.g., AAV) to be delivered, provided herein are principally directed to pharmaceutical compositions which are suitable for administration to humans, it will be understood by the skilled artisan that such compositions are generally suitable for administration to any other animal, e.g., to non-human animals, e.g. non-human mammals. Modification of pharmaceutical compositions suitable for administration to humans in order to render the compositions suitable for administration to various animals is well understood, and the ordinarily skilled veterinary pharmacologist can design and/or perform such modification with merely ordinary, if any, experimentation. Subjects to which administration of the pharmaceutical compositions is contemplated include, but are not limited to, humans and/or other primates; mammals, including commercially relevant mammals such as cattle, pigs, horses, sheep, cats, dogs, mice, and/or rats; and/or birds, including commercially relevant birds such as poultry, chickens, ducks, geese, and/or turkeys.

In some embodiments, compositions are administered to humans, human patients or subjects. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “active ingredient” generally refers either to synthetic siRNA duplexes or to the viral vector carrying the siRNA duplexes, or to the siRNA molecule delivered by a viral vector as described herein.

Formulations of the pharmaceutical compositions described herein may be prepared by any method known or hereafter developed in the art of pharmacology. In general, such preparatory methods include the step of bringing the active ingredient into association with an excipient and/or one or more other accessory ingredients, and then, if necessary and/or desirable, dividing, shaping and/or packaging the product into a desired single- or multi-dose unit.

Relative amounts of the active ingredient, the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, and/or any additional ingredients in a pharmaceutical composition in accordance with the invention will vary, depending upon the identity, size, and/or condition of the subject treated and further depending upon the route by which the composition is to be administered.

The siRNA duplexes or viral vectors encoding them can be formulated using one or more excipients to: (1) increase stability; (2) increase cell transfection or transduction; (3) permit the sustained or delayed release; or (4) alter the biodistribution (e.g., target the viral vector to specific tissues or cell types such as brain and motor neurons).

Formulations of the present invention can include, without limitation, saline, lipidoids, liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, polymers, lipoplexes, core-shell nanoparticles, peptides, proteins, cells transfected with viral vectors (e.g., for transplantation into a subject), nanoparticle mimics and combinations thereof. Further, the viral vectors of the present invention may be formulated using self-assembled nucleic acid nanoparticles.

Formulations of the pharmaceutical compositions described herein may be prepared by any method known or hereafter developed in the art of pharmacology. In general, such preparatory methods include the step of associating the active ingredient with an excipient and/or one or more other accessory ingredients.

A pharmaceutical composition in accordance with the present disclosure may be prepared, packaged, and/or sold in bulk, as a single unit dose, and/or as a plurality of single unit doses. As used herein, a “unit dose” refers to a discrete amount of the pharmaceutical composition comprising a predetermined amount of the active ingredient. The amount of the active ingredient is generally equal to the dosage of the active ingredient which would be administered to a subject and/or a convenient fraction of such a dosage such as, for example, one-half or one-third of such a dosage.

Relative amounts of the active ingredient, the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, and/or any additional ingredients in a pharmaceutical composition in accordance with the present disclosure may vary, depending upon the identity, size, and/or condition of the subject being treated and further depending upon the route by which the composition is to be administered. For example, the composition may comprise between 0.1% and 99% (w/w) of the active ingredient. By way of example, the composition may comprise between 0.1% and 100%, e.g., between 0.5 and 50%, between 1-30%, between 5-80%, at least 80% (w/w) active ingredient.

In some embodiments, the formulations described herein may contain at least one SOD1 targeting polynucleotide. As a non-limiting example, the formulations may contain 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 polynucleotide that target SOD1 gene at different sites.

In some embodiments, a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient may be at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% pure. In some embodiments, an excipient is approved for use for humans and for veterinary use. In some embodiments, an excipient may be approved by United States Food and Drug Administration. In some embodiments, an excipient may be of pharmaceutical grade. In some embodiments, an excipient may meet the standards of the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), the European Pharmacopoeia (EP), the British Pharmacopoeia, and/or the International Pharmacopoeia.

Excipients, which, as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, any and all solvents, dispersion media, diluents, or other liquid vehicles, dispersion or suspension aids, surface active agents, isotonic agents, thickening or emulsifying agents, preservatives, and the like, as suited to the particular dosage form desired. Various excipients for formulating pharmaceutical compositions and techniques for preparing the composition are known in the art (see Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 21^(st) Edition, A. R. Gennaro, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, Md., 2006; incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). The use of a conventional excipient medium may be contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure, except insofar as any conventional excipient medium may be incompatible with a substance or its derivatives, such as by producing any undesirable biological effect or otherwise interacting in a deleterious manner with any other component(s) of the pharmaceutical composition.

Exemplary diluents include, but are not limited to, calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, calcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, sodium phosphate lactose, sucrose, cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, kaolin, mannitol, sorbitol, inositol, sodium chloride, dry starch, cornstarch, powdered sugar, etc., and/or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the formulations may comprise at least one inactive ingredient. As used herein, the term “inactive ingredient” refers to one or more inactive agents included in formulations. In some embodiments, all, none or some of the inactive ingredients which may be used in the formulations of the present invention may be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Formulations of viral vectors carrying SOD1 targeting polynucleotides disclosed herein may include cations or anions. In one embodiment, the formulations include metal cations such as, but not limited to, Zn2+, Ca2+, Cu2+, Mg+ and combinations thereof.

As used herein, “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refers to derivatives of the disclosed compounds wherein the parent compound is modified by converting an existing acid or base moiety to its salt form (e.g., by reacting the free base group with a suitable organic acid). Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, mineral or organic acid salts of basic residues such as amines; alkali or organic salts of acidic residues such as carboxylic acids; and the like. Representative acid addition salts include acetate, acetic acid, adipate, alginate, ascorbate, aspartate, benzenesulfonate, benzene sulfonic acid, benzoate, bisulfate, borate, butyrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, citrate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptonate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate, heptonate, hexanoate, hydrobromide, hydrochloride, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxy-ethanesulfonate, lactobionate, lactate, laurate, lauryl sulfate, malate, maleate, malonate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oleate, oxalate, palmitate, pamoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, stearate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate, thiocyanate, toluenesulfonate, undecanoate, valerate salts, and the like. Representative alkali or alkaline earth metal salts include sodium, lithium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and the like, as well as nontoxic ammonium, quaternary ammonium, and amine cations, including, but not limited to ammonium, tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, ethylamine, and the like. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the present disclosure include the conventional non-toxic salts of the parent compound formed, for example, from non-toxic inorganic or organic acids. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the present disclosure can be synthesized from the parent compound which contains a basic or acidic moiety by conventional chemical methods. Generally, such salts can be prepared by reacting the free acid or base forms of these compounds with a stoichiometric amount of the appropriate base or acid in water or in an organic solvent, or in a mixture of the two; generally, nonaqueous media like ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, isopropanol, or acetonitrile are preferred. Lists of suitable salts are found in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17^(th) ed., Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 1985, p. 1418, Pharmaceutical Salts: Properties, Selection, and Use, P. H. Stahl and C. G. Wermuth (eds.), Wiley-VCH, 2008, and Berge et al., Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, 66, 1-19 (1977); the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable solvate,” as used herein, means a compound of the invention wherein molecules of a suitable solvent are incorporated in the crystal lattice. A suitable solvent is physiologically tolerable at the dosage administered. For example, solvates may be prepared by crystallization, recrystallization, or precipitation from a solution that includes organic solvents, water, or a mixture thereof. Examples of suitable solvents are ethanol, water (for example, mono-, di-, and tri-hydrates), N-methylpyrrolidinone (NMP), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), N,N′-dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N′-dimethylacetamide (DMAC), 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (DMEU), 1,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2-(1H)-pyrimidinone (DMPU), acetonitrile (ACN), propylene glycol, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, 2-pyrrolidone, benzyl benzoate, and the like. When water is the solvent, the solvate is referred to as a “hydrate.”

According to the present invention, the SOD1 targeting polynucleotides, or AAV vectors comprising the same, may be formulated for CNS delivery. Agents that cross the brain blood barrier may be used. For example, some cell penetrating peptides that can target siRNA molecules to the brain blood barrier endothelium may be used to formulate the siRNA duplexes targeting SOD1 gene (e.g., Mathupala, Expert Opin Ther Pat., 2009, 19, 137-140; the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

Administration

The SOD1 targeting polynucleotides of the present invention may be administered by any route which results in a therapeutically effective outcome. These include, but are not limited to enteral (into the intestine), gastroenteral, epidural (into the dura matter), oral (by way of the mouth), transdermal, peridural, intracerebral (into the cerebrum), intracerebroventricular (into the cerebral ventricles), epicutaneous (application onto the skin), intradermal, (into the skin itself), subcutaneous (under the skin), nasal administration (through the nose), intravenous (into a vein), intravenous bolus, intravenous drip, intraarterial (into an artery), intramuscular (into a muscle), intracardiac (into the heart), intraosseous infusion (into the bone marrow), intrathecal (into the spinal canal), intraperitoneal, (infusion or injection into the peritoneum), intravesical infusion, intravitreal, (through the eye), intracavernous injection (into a pathologic cavity) intracavitary (into the base of the penis), intravaginal administration, intrauterine, extra-amniotic administration, transdermal (diffusion through the intact skin for systemic distribution), transmucosal (diffusion through a mucous membrane), transvaginal, insufflation (snorting), sublingual, sublabial, enema, eye drops (onto the conjunctiva), in ear drops, auricular (in or by way of the ear), buccal (directed toward the cheek), conjunctival, cutaneous, dental (to a tooth or teeth), electro-osmosis, endocervical, endosinusial, endotracheal, extracorporeal, hemodialysis, infiltration, interstitial, intra-abdominal, intra-amniotic, intra-articular, intrabiliary, intrabronchial, intrabursal, intracartilaginous (within a cartilage), intracaudal (within the cauda equine), intracisternal (within the cisterna magna cerebellomedularis), intracorneal (within the cornea), dental intracomal, intracoronary (within the coronary arteries), intracorporus cavernosum (within the dilatable spaces of the corporus cavernosa of the penis), intradiscal (within a disc), intraductal (within a duct of a gland), intraduodenal (within the duodenum), intradural (within or beneath the dura), intraepidermal (to the epidermis), intraesophageal (to the esophagus), intragastric (within the stomach), intragingival (within the gingivae), intraileal (within the distal portion of the small intestine), intralesional (within or introduced directly to a localized lesion), intraluminal (within a lumen of a tube), intralymphatic (within the lymph), intramedullary (within the marrow cavity of a bone), intrameningeal (within the meninges), intraocular (within the eye), intraovarian (within the ovary), intrapericardial (within the pericardium), intrapleural (within the pleura), intraprostatic (within the prostate gland), intrapulmonary (within the lungs or its bronchi), intrasinal (within the nasal or periorbital sinuses), intraspinal (within the vertebral column), intrasynovial (within the synovial cavity of a joint), intratendinous (within a tendon), intratesticular (within the testicle), intrathecal (within the cerebrospinal fluid at any level of the cerebrospinal axis), intrathoracic (within the thorax), intratubular (within the tubules of an organ), intratumor (within a tumor), intratympanic (within the aurus media), intravascular (within a vessel or vessels), intraventricular (within a ventricle), iontophoresis (by means of electric current where ions of soluble salts migrate into the tissues of the body), irrigation (to bathe or flush open wounds or body cavities), laryngeal (directly upon the larynx), nasogastric (through the nose and into the stomach), occlusive dressing technique (topical route administration which is then covered by a dressing which occludes the area), ophthalmic (to the external eye), oropharyngeal (directly to the mouth and pharynx), parenteral, percutaneous, periarticular, peridural, perineural, periodontal, rectal, respiratory (within the respiratory tract by inhaling orally or nasally for local or systemic effect), retrobulbar (behind the pons or behind the eyeball), soft tissue, subarachnoid, subconjunctival, submucosal, topical, transplacental (through or across the placenta), transtracheal (through the wall of the trachea), transtympanic (across or through the tympanic cavity), ureteral (to the ureter), urethral (to the urethra), vaginal, caudal block, diagnostic, nerve block, biliary perfusion, cardiac perfusion, photopheresis or spinal.

In specific embodiments, compositions including AAV vectors comprising at least one SOD1 targeting polynucleotide may be administered in a way which allows them enter the central nervous system and penetrate into motor neurons.

In some embodiments, the therapeutics of the present invention may be administered by muscular injection. Rizvanov et al. demonstrated for the first time that siRNA molecules, targeting mutant human SOD1 mRNA, is taken up by the sciatic nerve, retrogradely transported to the perikarya of motor neurons, and inhibits mutant SOD1 mRNA in SOD1^(G93A) transgenic ALS mice (Rizvanov A A et al., Exp. Brain Res., 2009, 195(1), 1-4; the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Another study also demonstrated that muscle delivery of AAV expressing small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) against the mutant SOD1 gene, led to significant mutant SOD1 knockdown in the muscle as well as innervating motor neurons (Towne C et al., Mol Ther., 2011; 19(2): 274-283; the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

In some embodiments, AAV vectors that express siRNA duplexes of the present invention may be administered to a subject by peripheral injections and/or intranasal delivery. It was disclosed in the art that the peripheral administration of AAV vectors for siRNA duplexes can be transported to the central nervous system, for example, to the motor neurons (e.g., U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 20100240739; and 20100130594; the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In other embodiments, compositions comprising at least one siRNA duplex of the invention may be administered to a subject by intracranial delivery (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,119,611; the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

The SOD1 targeting polynucleotides of the present invention may be administered in any suitable forms, either as a liquid solution or suspension, as a solid form suitable for liquid solution or suspension in a liquid solution. They may be formulated with any appropriate and pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

The SOD1 targeting polynucleotides of the present invention may be administered in a “therapeutically effective” amount, i.e., an amount that is sufficient to alleviate and/or prevent at least one symptom associated with the disease or provide improvement in the condition of the subject.

Dosing

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be administered to a subject using any amount effective for preventing and treating a SOD1 associated disorder (e.g., ALS). The exact amount required will vary from subject to subject, depending on the species, age, and general condition of the subject, the severity of the disease, the particular composition, its mode of administration, its mode of activity, and the like.

The compositions of the present invention are typically formulated in unit dosage form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage. It will be understood, however, that the total daily usage of the compositions of the present invention may be decided by the attending physician within the scope of sound medical judgment. The specific therapeutically effectiveness for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors including the disorder being treated and the severity of the disorder; the activity of the specific compound employed; the specific composition employed; the age, body weight, general health, sex and diet of the patient; the time of administration, and route of administration; the duration of the treatment; drugs used in combination or coincidental with the specific compound employed; and like factors well known in the medical arts.

In some specific embodiments, the doses of AAV vectors for delivering siRNA duplexes of the present invention may be adapted dependent on the disease condition, the subject and the treatment strategy, etc. Typically, about 10⁵, 10⁶, 10¹², 10¹³, 10¹⁴, 10¹⁵, 10¹⁶ viral genome (unit) may be administered per dose.

The desired dosage may be delivered three times a day, two times a day, once a day, every other day, every third day, every week, every two weeks, every three weeks, or every four weeks.

In certain embodiments, the desired dosage may be delivered using multiple administrations (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, or more administrations). When multiple administrations are employed, split dosing regimens such as those described herein may be used. As used herein, a “split dose” is the division of single unit dose or total daily dose into two or more doses, e.g., two or more administrations of the single unit dose. As used herein, a “single unit dose” is a dose of any modulatory polynucleotide therapeutic administered in one dose/at one time/single route/single point of contact, i.e., single administration event. As used herein, a “total daily dose” is an amount given or prescribed in 24 hr period. It may be administered as a single unit dose. In one embodiment, the viral vectors comprising the SOD1 targeting polynucleotides of the present invention are administered to a subject in split doses. They may be formulated in buffer only or in a formulation described herein.

Methods of treatment of ALS and/or Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Provided in the present invention include methods for introducing the SOD1 targeting polynucleotides described herein into cells, the method comprising introducing into said cells any of the polynucleotides in an amount sufficient for degradation of target SOD1 mRNA to occur. In some aspects, the cells may be stem cells, neurons such as motor neurons, muscle cells and glial cells such as astrocytes.

Disclosed in the present invention also include methods for treating ALS associated with abnormal SOD1 function in a subject in need of treatment. The method optionally comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising or encoding at least one siRNA duplex targeting SOD1 gene. Said siRNA duplex will silence SOD1 gene expression and inhibit SOD1 protein production, and reduce one or more symptoms of ALS in the subject such that ALS is therapeutically treated.

In some embodiments, the SOD1 targeting polynucleotide of the present invention or the composition comprising or encoding this polynucleotide is administered to the central nervous system of the subject. In other embodiments, the siRNA duplex of the present invention or the composition comprising it is administered to the muscles of the subject

In particular, the SOD1 targeting polynucleotides may be delivered into specific types of targeted cells, including motor neurons; glial cells including oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and microglia; and/or other cells surrounding neurons such as T cells. Studies in human ALS patients and animal SOD1 ALS model implicated that glial cells play an early role in the dysfunction and death of ALS neurons. Normal SOD1 in the surrounding, protective glial cells can prevent the motor neurons from dying even though mutant SOD1 is present in motor neurons (e.g., reviewed by Philips and Rothstein, Exp. Neurol., 2014, May 22. pii: S0014-4886(14)00157-5; the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

In some specific embodiments, at least one siRNA duplex targeting SOD1 gene used as a therapy for ALS is inserted in a viral vector, such as an AAV vector.

In some embodiments, the present composition is administered as a single therapeutic or combination therapeutics for the treatment of ALS.

The viral vectors comprising or encoding siRNA duplexes targeting SOD1 gene may be used in combination with one or more other therapeutic, agents. By “in combination with,” it is not intended to imply that the agents must be administered at the same time and/or formulated for delivery together, although these methods of delivery are within the scope of the present disclosure. Compositions can be administered concurrently with, prior to, or subsequent to, one or more other desired therapeutics or medical procedures. In general, each agent will be administered at a dose and/or on a time schedule determined for that agent.

Therapeutic agents that may be used in combination with the SOD1 targeting polynucleotides of the present invention can be small molecule compounds which are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-apoptosis agents, calcium regulators, antiglutamatergic agents, structural protein inhibitors, and compounds involved in metal ion regulation.

Compounds used in combination for treating ALS may include, but are not limited to, agents that reduce oxidative stress, such as free radical scavengers, and/or Radicava (edaravone), antiglutamatergic agents: Riluzole, Topiramate, Talampanel, Lamotrigine, Dextromethorphan, Gabapentin and AMPA antagonist; Anti-apoptosis agents: Minocycline, Sodium phenylbutyrate and Arimoclomol; Anti-inflammatory agent: ganglioside, Celecoxib, Cyclosporine, Azathioprine, Cyclophosphamide, Plasmaphoresis, Glatiramer acetate and thalidomide; Ceftriaxone (Berry et al., Plos One, 2013, 8(4)); Beat-lactam antibiotics; Pramipexole (a dopamine agonist) (Wang et al., Amyotrophic Lateral Scler., 2008, 9(1), 50-58); Nimesulide in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20060074991; Diazoxide disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20130143873); pyrazolone derivatives disclosed in US Patent Publication No. 20080161378; free radical scavengers that inhibit oxidative stress-induced cell death, such as bromocriptine (US. Patent Publication No. 20110105517); phenyl carbamate compounds discussed in PCT Patent Publication No. 2013100571; neuroprotective compounds disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,933,310 and 8,399,514 and US Patent Publication Nos. 20110237907 and 20140038927; and glycopeptides taught in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20070185012; the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Therapeutic agents that may be used in combination therapy with the siRNA duplexes targeting SOD1 gene of the present invention may be hormones or variants that can protect neuron loss, such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or fragments thereof (e.g., U.S. Patent Publication No. 20130259875); Estrogen (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,334,998 and 6,592,845); the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Neurotrophic factors may be used in combination therapy with the siRNA duplexes targeting SOD1 gene of the present invention for treating ALS. Generally, a neurotrophic factor is defined as a substance that promotes survival, growth, differentiation, proliferation and/or maturation of a neuron, or stimulates increased activity of a neuron. In some embodiments, the present methods further comprise delivery of one or more trophic factors into the subject in need of treatment. Trophic factors may include, but are not limited to, IGF-I, GDNF, BDNF, CTNF, VEGF, Colivelin, Xaliproden, Thyrotrophin-releasing hormone and ADNF, and variants thereof.

In one aspect, the AAV vector comprising at least one siRNA duplex targeting SOD1 gene may be co-administered with AAV vectors expressing neurotrophic factors such as AAV-IGF-I (Vincent et al., Neuromolecular medicine, 2004, 6, 79-85; the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) and AAV-GDNF (Wang et al., J Neurosci., 2002, 22, 6920-6928; the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

In some embodiments, the composition of the present invention for treating ALS is administered to the subject in need intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, intrathecally and/or intraventricularly, allowing the siRNA duplexes or vectors comprising the siRNA duplexes to pass through one or both the blood-brain barrier and the blood spinal cord barrier. In some aspects, the method includes administering (e.g., intraventricularly administering and/or intrathecally administering) directly to the central nervous system (CNS) of a subject (using, e.g., an infusion pump and/or a delivery scaffold) a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising at least one siRNA duplex targeting SOD1 gene or AAV vectors comprising at least one siRNA duplex targeting SOD1 gene, silencing/suppressing SOD1 gene expression, and reducing one or more symptoms of ALS in the subject such that ALS is therapeutically treated.

In certain aspects, the symptoms of ALS including motor neuron degeneration, muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, the stiffness of muscle, difficulty in breathing, slurred speech, fasciculation development, frontotemporal dementia and/or premature death are improved in the subject treated. In other aspects, the composition of the present invention is applied to one or both of the brain and the spinal cord. In other aspects, one or both of muscle coordination and muscle function are improved. In other aspects, the survival of the subject is prolonged.

The compositions described herein may be tested in animal models. As a non-limiting example, the animal may be a rodent (e.g., a rat or mouse), or a mammal (e.g., a non-human primate or a dog). In one embodiment, the animal model is a dog with canine degenerative myelopathy (DM). Canine DM can be a model for ALS as the dogs have a comparable size and complexity in their nervous system and the dogs suffer from motor neuron loss and similar SOD1 chemistry levels. Canine DM is a late age onset disease (8 to 14 years) as a result of a SOD1 mutation (E40K, T18S), and there is currently no treatment available. Some benefits of using Canine DM as a disease model for ALS include, but are not limited to, the ability to have administration and therapy pharmacodynamics shared across species and to recapitulate disease measures in canine DM that are shared amongst transgenic rodent ALS models and human ALS.

In canine DM, there are 4 stages. Stage 1 (early stage) neurologic signs in DM dogs include, but are not limited to, progressive general proprioceptive ataxia, asymmetric spastic paraparesis, and/or intact spinal reflexes. Stage 2 (early stage) neurologic signs in DM dogs include, but are not limited to, mild to moderate loss of muscle mass, reduced to absent spinal reflexes in pelvic limbs, and/or urinary and fecal incontinence. Stage 3 (late stage) neurologic signs in DM dogs include, but are not limited to, signs of thoracic limb paresis, flaccid paraplegia, sever loss of muscle mass in pelvic limbs, and/or urinary and fecal incontinence. Stage 4 (late stage) neurologic signs in DM dogs include, but are not limited to, flaccid tetraplegia, difficulty with swallowing and tongue movements, reduced to absent cutaneous trunci reflex, generalized and sever loss of muscle mass, and/or urinary and fecal incontinence.

Various measurements may be used to track canine DM dogs and normal dogs used in the animal study. These measurements include, but are not limited to, neurophysiology tests (e.g., motor and sensory nerve conduction study (NCS), motor unit number estimation (MUNE), compound muscle action potential (CMAP), and electrical impedance myography (EIM)), neuropathy, neuroimaging (e.g., MRS, DTI, PET/CT), genomics (e.g., using genetic modifiers), profiling of samples (e.g., serum and CSF for SOD1, NF-H, and/or NF-L), natural history metrics and/or severity rating scales (e.g., Olby locomotor scale; see e.g., Olby N J et al. Am J Vet Res 2001, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

In one embodiment, a structural protein may be used as a biomarker to correlate disease progression and/or effect of treatment. The level of the structural protein in the blood and/or CSF of a subject may be used to determine disease progression and/or therapeutic effect.

In one embodiment, a neurofilament protein may be used as a biomarker to correlate disease progression and/or effect of treatment. The level of the neurofilament protein in the blood and/or CSF of a subject may be used to determine disease progression and/or therapeutic effect. As a non-limiting example, the neurofilament protein is neurofilament light chain (NF-L). As a non-limiting example, the neurofilament protein is neurofilament heavy chain (NF-H).

In one embodiment, a neurofilament light chain (NF-L) protein may be used as a biomarker to correlate disease progression and/or effect of treatment. The level of NF-L in the blood and/or CSF of a subject may be used to determine disease progression and/or therapeutic effect.

In one embodiment, a neurofilament heavy chain (NF-H) protein may be used as a biomarker to correlate disease progression and/or effect of treatment. The level of NF-H in the blood and/or CSF of a subject may be used to determine disease progression and/or therapeutic effect.

Definitions

Unless stated otherwise, the following terms and phrases have the meanings described below. The definitions are not meant to be limiting in nature and serve to provide a clearer understanding of certain aspects of the present invention.

As used herein, the term “nucleic acid”, “polynucleotide” and ‘oligonucleotide” refer to any nucleic acid polymers composed of either polydeoxyribonucleotides (containing 2-deoxy-D-ribose), or polyribonucleotides (containing D-ribose), or any other type of polynucleotide which is an N glycoside of a purine or pyrimidine base, or modified purine or pyrimidine bases. There is no intended distinction in length between the term “nucleic acid”, “polynucleotide” and “oligonucleotide”, and these terms will be used interchangeably. These terms refer only to the primary structure of the molecule. Thus, these terms include double- and single-stranded DNA, as well as double- and single stranded RNA.

As used herein, the term “RNA” or “RNA molecule” or “ribonucleic acid molecule” refers to a polymer of ribonucleotides; the term “DNA” or “DNA molecule” or “deoxyribonucleic acid molecule” refers to a polymer of deoxyribonucleotides. DNA and RNA can be synthesized naturally, e.g., by DNA replication and transcription of DNA, respectively; or be chemically synthesized. DNA and RNA can be single-stranded (i.e., ssRNA or ssDNA, respectively) or multi-stranded (e.g., double stranded, i.e., dsRNA and dsDNA, respectively). The term “mRNA” or “messenger RNA”, as used herein, refers to a single stranded RNA that encodes the amino acid sequence of one or more polypeptide chains.

As used herein, the term “RNA interfering” or “RNAi” refers to a sequence specific regulatory mechanism mediated by RNA molecules which results in the inhibition or interfering or “silencing” of the expression of a corresponding protein-coding gene. RNAi has been observed in many types of organisms, including plants, animals and fungi. RNAi occurs in cells naturally to remove foreign RNAs (e.g., viral RNAs). Natural RNAi proceeds via fragments cleaved from free dsRNA which direct the degradative mechanism to other similar RNA sequences. RNAi is controlled by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and is initiated by short/small dsRNA molecules in cell cytoplasm, where they interact with the catalytic RISC component argonaute. The dsRNA molecules can be introduced into cells exogenously. Exogenous dsRNA initiates RNAi by activating the ribonuclease protein Dicer, which binds and cleaves dsRNAs to produce double-stranded fragments of 21-25 base pairs with a few unpaired overhang bases on each end. These short double stranded fragments are called small interfering RNAs (siRNAs).

As used herein, the term “small/short interfering RNA” or “siRNA” refers to an RNA molecule (or RNA analog) comprising between about 5-60 nucleotides (or nucleotide analogs) which is capable of directing or mediating RNAi. Preferably, a siRNA molecule comprises between about 15-30 nucleotides or nucleotide analogs, more preferably between about 16-25 nucleotides (or nucleotide analogs), even more preferably between about 18-23 nucleotides (or nucleotide analogs), and even more preferably between about 19-22 nucleotides (or nucleotide analogs) (e.g., 19, 20, 21 or 22 nucleotides or nucleotide analogs). The term “short” siRNA refers to a siRNA comprising 5-23 nucleotides, preferably 21 nucleotides (or nucleotide analogs), for example, 19, 20, 21 or 22 nucleotides. The term “long” siRNA refers to a siRNA comprising 24-60 nucleotides, preferably about 24-25 nucleotides, for example, 23, 24, 25 or 26 nucleotides. Short siRNAs may, in some instances, include fewer than 19 nucleotides, e.g., 16, 17 or 18 nucleotides, or as few as 5 nucleotides, provided that the shorter siRNA retains the ability to mediate RNAi. Likewise, long siRNAs may, in some instances, include more than 26 nucleotides, e.g., 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or even 60 nucleotides, provided that the longer siRNA retains the ability to mediate RNAi or translational repression absent further processing, e.g., enzymatic processing, to a short siRNA. siRNAs can be single stranded RNA molecules (ss-siRNAs) or double stranded RNA molecules (ds-siRNAs) comprising a sense strand and an antisense strand which hybridized to form a duplex structure called siRNA duplex. According to the present invention, recombinant AAV vectors may encode one or more RNAi molecules such as an siRNA, shRNA, microRNA or precursor thereof.

As used herein, the term “the antisense strand” or “the first strand” or “the guide strand” of a siRNA molecule refers to a strand that is substantially complementary to a section of about 10-50 nucleotides, e.g., about 15-30, 16-25, 18-23 or 19-22 nucleotides of the mRNA of the gene targeted for silencing. The antisense strand or first strand has sequence sufficiently complementary to the desired target mRNA sequence to direct target-specific silencing, e.g., complementarity sufficient to trigger the destruction of the desired target mRNA by the RNAi machinery or process.

As used herein, the term “the sense strand” or “the second strand” or “the passenger strand” of a siRNA molecule refers to a strand that is complementary to the antisense strand or first strand. The antisense and sense strands of a siRNA molecule are hybridized to form a duplex structure. As used herein, a “siRNA duplex” includes a siRNA strand having sufficient complementarity to a section of about 10-50 nucleotides of the mRNA of the gene targeted for silencing and a siRNA strand having sufficient complementarity to form a duplex with the siRNA strand. According to the present invention, recombinant AAV vectors may encode a sense and/or antisense strand.

As used herein, the term “complementary” refers to the ability of polynucleotides to form base pairs with one another. Base pairs are typically formed by hydrogen bonds between nucleotide units in antiparallel polynucleotide strands. Complementary polynucleotide strands can form base pair in the Watson-Crick manner (e.g., A to T, A to U, C to G), or in any other manner that allows for the formation of duplexes. As persons skilled in the art are aware, when using RNA as opposed to DNA, uracil rather than thymine is the base that is considered to be complementary to adenosine. However, when a U is denoted in the context of the present invention, the ability to substitute a T is implied, unless otherwise stated. Perfect complementarity or 100% complementarity refers to the situation in which each nucleotide unit of one polynucleotide strand can form hydrogen bond with a nucleotide unit of a second polynucleotide strand. Less than perfect complementarity refers to the situation in which some, but not all, nucleotide units of two strands can form hydrogen bond with each other. For example, for two 20-mers, if only two base pairs on each strand can form hydrogen bond with each other, the polynucleotide strands exhibit 10% complementarity. In the same example, if 18 base pairs on each strand can form hydrogen bonds with each other, the polynucleotide strands exhibit 90% complementarity.

As used herein, “targeting” means the process of design and selection of nucleic acid sequence that will hybridize to a target nucleic acid and induce a desired effect.

The term “gene expression” refers to the process by which a nucleic acid sequence undergoes successful transcription and in most instances translation to produce a protein or peptide. For clarity, when reference is made to measurement of “gene expression”, this should be understood to mean that measurements may be of the nucleic acid product of transcription, e.g., RNA or mRNA or of the amino acid product of translation, e.g., polypeptides or peptides. Methods of measuring the amount or levels of RNA, mRNA, polypeptides and peptides are well known in the art.

As used herein, the term “mutation” refers to any changing of the structure of a gene, resulting in a variant (also called “mutant”) form that may be transmitted to subsequent generations. Mutations in a gene may be caused by the alternation of single base in DNA, or the deletion, insertion, or rearrangement of larger sections of genes or chromosomes.

As used herein, the term “vector” means any molecule or moiety which transports, transduces or otherwise acts as a carrier of a heterologous molecule such as the SOD1 targeting polynucleotides of the invention. A “viral vector” is a vector which comprises one or more polynucleotide regions encoding or comprising a molecule of interest, e.g., a transgene, a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide or multi-polypeptide or a modulatory nucleic acid such as small interfering RNA (siRNA). Viral vectors are commonly used to deliver genetic materials into cells. Viral vectors are often modified for specific applications. Types of viral vectors include retroviral vectors, lentiviral vectors, adenoviral vectors and adeno-associated viral vectors.

The term “adeno-associated virus” or “AAV” or “AAV vector” as used herein refers to any vector which comprises or derives from components of an adeno associated vector and is suitable to infect mammalian cells, preferably human cells. The term AAV vector typically designates an AAV type viral particle or virion comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a siRNA duplex. The AAV vector may be derived from various serotypes, including combinations of serotypes (i.e., “pseudotyped” AAV) or from various genomes (e.g., single stranded or self-complementary). In addition, the AAV vector may be replication defective and/or targeted.

As used herein, the phrase “inhibit expression of a gene” means to cause a reduction in the amount of an expression product of the gene. The expression product can be a RNA molecule transcribed from the gene (e.g., an mRNA) or a polypeptide translated from an mRNA transcribed from the gene. Typically, a reduction in the level of an mRNA results in a reduction in the level of a polypeptide translated therefrom. The level of expression may be determined using standard techniques for measuring mRNA or protein.

As used herein, the term “in vitro” refers to events that occur in an artificial environment, e.g., in a test tube or reaction vessel, in cell culture, in a Petri dish, etc., rather than within an organism (e.g., animal, plant, or microbe).

As used herein, the term “in vivo” refers to events that occur within an organism (e.g., animal, plant, or microbe or cell or tissue thereof).

As used herein, the term “modified” refers to a changed state or structure of a molecule of the invention. Molecules may be modified in many ways including chemically, structurally, and functionally.

As used herein, the term “synthetic” means produced, prepared, and/or manufactured by the hand of man. Synthesis of polynucleotides or polypeptides or other molecules of the present invention may be chemical or enzymatic.

As used herein, the term “transfection” refers to methods to introduce exogenous nucleic acids into a cell. Methods of transfection include, but are not limited to, chemical methods, physical treatments and cationic lipids or mixtures. The list of agents that can be transfected into a cell is large and includes, but is not limited to, siRNA, sense and/or antisense sequences, AAV vectors or particles, DNA encoding one or more genes and organized into an expression plasmid, proteins, protein fragments, and more.

As used herein, “off target” refers to any unintended effect on any one or more target, gene, or cellular transcript.

As used herein, the phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable” is employed herein to refer to those compounds, materials, compositions, and/or dosage forms which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of human beings and animals without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, or other problem or complication, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio.

As used herein, the term “effective amount” of an agent is that amount sufficient to effect beneficial or desired results, for example, clinical results, and, as such, an “effective amount” depends upon the context in which it is being applied. For example, in the context of administering an agent that treats ALS, an effective amount of an agent is, for example, an amount sufficient to achieve treatment, as defined herein, of ALS, as compared to the response obtained without administration of the agent.

As used herein, the term “therapeutically effective amount” means an amount of an agent to be delivered (e.g., nucleic acid, drug, therapeutic agent, diagnostic agent, prophylactic agent, etc.) that is sufficient, when administered to a subject suffering from or susceptible to an infection, disease, disorder, and/or condition, to treat, improve symptoms of, diagnose, prevent, and/or delay the onset of the infection, disease, disorder, and/or condition.

As used herein, the term “subject” or “patient” refers to any organism to which a composition in accordance with the invention may be administered, e.g., for experimental, diagnostic, prophylactic, and/or therapeutic purposes. Typical subjects include animals (e.g., mammals such as mice, rats, rabbits, non-human primates such as chimpanzees and other apes and monkey species, and humans) and/or plants.

As used herein, the term “preventing” or “prevention” refers to delaying or forestalling the onset, development or progression of a condition or disease for a period of time, including weeks, months, or years.

The term “treatment” or “treating”, as used herein, refers to the application of one or more specific procedures used for the cure or amelioration of a disease. In certain embodiments, the specific procedure is the administration of one or more pharmaceutical agents. In the context of the present invention, the specific procedure is the administration of one or more siRNA duplexes or dsRNA targeting SOD1 gene.

As used herein, the term “amelioration” or “ameliorating” refers to a lessening of severity of at least one indicator of a condition or disease. For example, in the context of neurodegeneration disorder, amelioration includes the reduction of neuron loss.

As used herein, the term “administering” refers to providing a pharmaceutical agent or composition to a subject.

As used herein, the term “neurodegeneration” refers to a pathologic state which results in neural cell death. A large number of neurological disorders share neurodegeneration as a common pathological state. For example, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) all cause chronic neurodegeneration, which is characterized by a slow, progressive neural cell death over a period of several years, whereas acute neurodegeneration is characterized by a sudden onset of neural cell death as a result of ischemia, such as stroke, or trauma, such as traumatic brain injury, or as a result of axonal transection by demyelination or trauma caused, for example, by spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. In some neurological disorders, mainly one type of neuron cells is degenerating, for example, motor neuron degeneration in ALS.

EXAMPLES Example 1. SOD1 Targeting Polynucleotide Design (siRNA)

siRNA design is carried out to identify siRNAs targeting human SOD1 gene. The design uses the SOD1 transcripts from human (NCBI Reference Sequence NM_000454.4; SEQ ID NO: 1), cynomolgus monkey (NCBI Reference Sequence NM_001285406.1; (SEQ ID NO: 2), rhesus monkey (NCBI Reference Sequence NM_001032804.1; SEQ ID NO: 2), and canis lupus familiaris (NCBI Reference Sequence NM_0013035; SEQ ID NO: 4), respectively (Table 10). The siRNA duplexes are designed with 100% identity to the human SOD1 transcript for positions 2-18 of the antisense strand, and partial or 100% identity to the non-human primate SOD1 transcript for positions 2-18 of the antisense strand. In all siRNA duplexes, position 1 of the antisense strand is engineered to a U and position 19 of the sense strand was engineered to a C, in order to unpair the duplex at this position.

TABLE 10 SOD1 gene sequences SOD1 Access SEQ ID transcripts No. NO. Sequence Human NM_000454.4 1 GTTTGGGGCCAGAGTGGGCGAGGCGCGGAGGTCTGGCC SOD1 TATAAAGTAGTCGCGGAGACGGGGTGCTGGTTTGCGTCG cDNA TAGTCTCCTGCAGCGTCTGGGGTTTCCGTTGCAGTCCTCG (981 bp) GAACCAGGACCTCGGCGTGGCCTAGCGAGTTATGGCGA CGAAGGCCGTGTGCGTGCTGAAGGGCGACGGCCCAGTG CAGGGCATCATCAATTTCGAGCAGAAGGAAAGTAATGG ACCAGTGAAGGTGTGGGGAAGCATTAAAGGACTGACTG AAGGCCTGCATGGATTCCATGTTCATGAGTTTGGAGATA ATACAGCAGGCTGTACCAGTGCAGGTCCTCACTTTAATC CTCTATCCAGAAAACACGGTGGGCCAAAGGATGAAGAG AGGCATGTTGGAGACTTGGGCAATGTGACTGCTGACAA AGATGGTGTGGCCGATGTGTCTATTGAAGATTCTGTGAT CTCACTCTCAGGAGACCATTGCATCATTGGCCGCACACT GGTGGTCCATGAAAAAGCAGATGACTTGGGCAAAGGTG GAAATGAAGAAAGTACAAAGACAGGAAACGCTGGAAGT CGTTTGGCTTGTGGTGTAATTGGGATCGCCCAATAAACA TTCCCTTGGATGTAGTCTGAGGCCCCTTAACTCATCTGTT ATCCTGCTAGCTGTAGAAATGTATCCTGATAAACATTAA ACACTGTAATCTTAAAAGTGTAATTGTGTGACTTTTTCA GAGTTGCTTTAAAGTACCTGTAGTGAGAAACTGATTTAT GATCACTTGGAAGATTTGTATAGTTTTATAAAACTCAGT TAAAATGTCTGTTTCAATGACCTGTATTTTGCCAGACTTA AATCACAGATGGGTATTAAACTTGTCAGAATTTCTTTGT CATTCAAGCCTGTGAATAAAAACCCTGTATGGCACTTAT TATGAGGCTATTAAAAGAATCCAAATTCAAACTAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAA cynomolgus NM_001285406.1 2 ATGGCGATGAAGGCCGTGTGCGTGTTGAAGGGCGACAG SOD1 CCCAGTGCAGGGCACCATCAATTTCGAGCAGAAGGAAA cDNA GTAATGGACCAGTGAAGGTGTGGGGAAGCATTACAGGA (465 bp) TTGACTGAAGGCCTGCATGGATTCCATGTTCATCAGTTT GGAGATAATACACAAGGCTGTACCAGTGCAGGTCCTCA CTTTAATCCTCTATCCAGACAACACGGTGGGCCAAAGGA TGAAGAGAGGCATGTTGGAGACCTGGGCAATGTGACTG CTGGCAAAGATGGTGTGGCCAAGGTGTCTTTCGAAGATT CTGTGATCTCGCTCTCAGGAGACCATTCCATCATTGGCC GCACATTGGTGGTCCATGAAAAAGCAGATGACTTGGGC AAAGGTGGAAATGAAGAAAGTAAAAAGACAGGAAACG CTGGAGGTCGTCTGGCTTGTGGTGTAATTGGGATCGCCC AATAA rhesus NM_001032804.1 2 ATGGCGATGAAGGCCGTGTGCGTGTTGAAGGGCGACAG SOD1 CCCAGTGCAGGGCACCATCAATTTCGAGCAGAAGGAAA cDNA GTAATGGACCAGTGAAGGTGTGGGGAAGCATTACAGGA (465 bp) TTGACTGAAGGCCTGCATGGATTCCATGTTCATCAGTTT GGAGATAATACACAAGGCTGTACCAGTGCAGGTCCTCA CTTTAATCCTCTATCCAGACAACACGGTGGGCCAAAGGA TGAAGAGAGGCATGTTGGAGACCTGGGCAATGTGACTG CTGGCAAAGATGGTGTGGCCAAGGTGTCTTTCGAAGATT CTGTGATCTCGCTCTCAGGAGACCATTCCATCATTGGCC GCACATTGGTGGTCCATGAAAAAGCAGATGACTTGGGC AAAGGTGGAAATGAAGAAAGTAAAAAGACAGGAAACG CTGGAGGTCGTCTGGCTTGTGGTGTAATTGGGATCGCCC AATAA Canis lupus NM_001003035 4 CGAGTCATGGAGATGAAGGCCGTGTGCGTGTTGAAGGG familiaris (GI: 50978673) CCAGGGCCCGGTGGAGGGCACCATCCACTTCGTGCAGA SOD1 AGGGAAGTGGGCCTGTTGTGGTATCAGGAACCATTACA cDNA  GGGCTGACTGAAGGCGAGCATGGATTCCACGTCCATCA (474 bp) GTTTGAAGATAANACACAAGGCTGTACTAGTGCAGGTCC TCACTTTAATCCTCTGTCCAAAAAACATGGTGGGCCAAA AGATCAAGAGAGGCATGTTGGAGACCTGGGCAATGTGA CTGCTGGCAAGGATGGCGTGGCCATTGTGTCCATAGAAG ATTCTCTGATTGCACTCTCAGGAGACTATTCCATCATTGG CCGCACCATGGTGGTCCACGAGAAACGAGATGACTTGG GCAAAGGTGACAATGAAGAAAGTACACAGACAGGAAAC GCCGGGAGTCGTTTGGCTTGTGGTGTCATTGGGATCGCC CAATAAACATTC

Example 2. ALS Animal Model

Dogs can be used to study the efficacy of AAV gene therapy targeting SOD1 for the treatment of ALS. Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) is an ideal disease model as a naturally-occurring SOD1 mutation (E40K) is causative for canine DM, dogs have relatively large spinal cord/brain, DM-affected dogs have a homogenous pattern of disease progression and histopathologic findings and functional deficits in DM share similarities to some forms of upper motor neuron onset of human ALS (Awano et al. Genome-wide association analysis reveals a SOD1 mutation in canine degenerative myelopathy that resembles amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; PNAS February 2009; 106(8); 2794-2799, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety).

Canine DM is a naturally-occurring, adult-onset, progressive disease that, like ALS, leads to paralysis and death (Averill, D J. Degenerative myelopathy in the aging German Shepherd dog: clinical and pathologic findings. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1973; 162:1045-1051; the contents of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). The earliest clinical signs begin when the dog is 8 years or older. DM affects many dog breeds with an overall prevalence of 0.19% Disease onset and clinical progression are homogeneous across all breeds, representing degeneration of the sensory and upper and lower motor neurons. Clinical presentation has been categorized into four clinical disease stages (Coates J R, Wininger F A. Canine degenerative myelopathy. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2010; 40:929-950 and Kanazono S, Pithua P, Johnson G C, et al. Clinical progression of canine degenerative myelopathy. 2013 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Annual Forum. Seattle, Wash. Jun. 16-18, 2013. J Vet Int Med 2013; 24(3):699; the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties). Clinical signs emerge as an asymmetric spastic paraparesis and general proprioceptive ataxia (Stage I), progressing to non-ambulatory paraparesis/paraplegia with pelvic limb lower motor neuron signs within 1 year from disease onset (Stage II). Dog owners often elect euthanasia when their dog becomes nonambulatory in the pelvic limbs. Neurologic deficits progress to include thoracic limb weakness (Stage III) followed by flaccid tetraplegia, generalized muscle atrophy and brainstem dysfunction (Stage IV).

The pathologic features of DM are similar to those of ALS, including axonal loss, secondary demyelination and astroglial proliferation (sclerosis), that are most severe in the dorsal portion of the lateral funiculus and in the dorsal columns of the middle to lower thoracic region. Because owners of companion dogs with DM have their pets euthanized at different stages of disease progression, it is possible to study the disease at all stages of progression by examining tissues from these dogs collected at the time of euthanasia, and thereby gain a better understanding of the chronological relationships between the pathologies that develop in the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. Significant sensory neuron degeneration also precedes any evidence of motor neuron pathology. Thus, the distribution of lesions and clinical disease progression in DM are similar to that reported for the UMN-onset ALS, with UMN signs in DM-affected dogs progressing later to LMN signs.

Preliminary data have shown that the median period for disease progression from Stage 1 (ambulatory, onset of signs) to 2 (nonambulatory) is 10 months (95% CI, 9 to 12 months) (Kanazono S, Pithua P, Johnson G C, et al. Clinical progression of canine degenerative myelopathy. 2013 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Annual Forum. Seattle, Wash. Jun. 16-18, 2013. J Vet Int Med 2013; 24(3):699; the contents of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entireties). There was no significant difference in time for transition from Stage 1 to 2 amongst different breeds. Thus, the homogeneous disease progression of DM will facilitate longitudinal measures and detection of therapeutic efficacy. When translating therapies for ALS from animals to humans or vice versa, sensitive and objective disease markers shared across species are necessary to diagnose and monitor disease progression so that therapeutic efficacy can be accurately.

Any of the AAVs targeting SOD1 described herein may be studied using the canine DM model.

Example 3. Methods for Measuring Canine DM

Overview

Reliable methods for measuring progression of damage to upper (brain and spinal cord) and lower (muscle and nerve) motor neurons will provide early diagnosis of DM, determine the contribution of the lesion to the clinical syndrome and serve as objective functional measures or biomarkers of disease progression in treatment trials. Moreover, these techniques could offer an outcome assessment for monitoring disease progression in therapeutic trials that parallel those in ALS patients. Our studies will evaluate IT delivered AAV.iSOD1 to slow disease progression. Significant differences in longitudinal disease between treated and nontreated groups would provide quantifiable measures of LMN and UMN preservation in DM affected dogs. Below is a brief summary of functional disease marker studies in canine DM for longitudinal monitoring of progression.

Neurofilament Proteins (NFs)

Neurofilament proteins (NFs) are the most abundant cytoskeletal proteins of myelinated axons, outnumbering microtubules 5 to 10-fold. NFs are obligate heteropolymers of neurofilament light (NF-L), medium (NF-M) and heavy (NF-H) proteins. In vivo NFs are required for the large increase in axonal diameter that occurs concomitantly with myelination. NF-L and NF-H levels in blood and CSF have been assayed as biomarkers in a variety of diseases. Specifically, for human ALS, assays for NFs in blood and CSF have focused on phosphorylated forms of NF-H (pNF-H)). pNF-H levels in CSF isolated from confirmed cases of ALS were inversely correlated with survival suggesting that pNF-H is a reliable marker of disease stage. Moreover, disease progression in ALS involves defined trajectories of longitudinally evaluated plasma NF-H levels, reflecting speed of neurological decline and survival.

Frozen serum and CSF samples are thawed and diluted threefold with a dilution buffer. The assay for pNF-H is performed according to Dr. Shaw's laboratory protocol with a commercial ELISA kit using human pNF-H antibody (BioVendor Research and Diagnostic Products, Modrice, Czech Republic); the standard curve is constructed by plotting mean absorbance of the standards against known concentrations on a logarithmic scale.

CSF and blood pNF-H should be reliable biomarkers of DM in dogs and can be used as minimally invasive, longitudinal measures of AAV-iSOD1 pharmacodynamics.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Advanced Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) have potential as techniques for quantitative assessment of the UMN system in the analysis of ALS. DTI is able to characterize the diffusion properties of water molecules in vivo. DTI can quantitate the diffusion anisotropy in local microstructures in vivo by fractional anisotropy. Two DTI-based scalar indices have often been used to characterize microstructure of the local brain tissue: apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA). ADC is a measure of the directionally averaged magnitude of diffusion and is related to the integrity of the local brain tissue. FA represents the degree of diffusion anisotropy and reflects the degree of alignment of cellular structures. It has been suggested that a reduction in anisotropy can reflect axonal fiber degeneration and myelin breakdown in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. It has been previously reported that reduced anisotropy is seen in the corticospinal tract (CST) and corpus callosum of patients with ALS, occurs early in the disease course, and relates to disease severity. The CST degeneration as a pathologic hallmark of ALS parallels the lateral funicular degeneration seen in DM-affected dogs. The lateral and dorsal funicular degeneration parallel the dorsal root ganglion degeneration (i.e., spinocerebellar tract degeneration) (March P A, Coates J R, Abyad R, et al. Degenerative Myelopathy in 18 Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dogs. Vet Pathol 2009; 241-250; the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety).

MRS allows for measurement of the neurochemical profile of a particular region of the brain in vivo, and typically relies on the measurement of N-acetyl compound resonance (predominantly N-acetylaspartate (NAA)) a marker of neuronal integrity, expressed as the ratio of NAA to creatine (Cr). Several studies have demonstrated a decrease in NAA and NAA/Cr ratios at the level of the motor cortex of patients with ALS (Pioro E P, Majors A W, Mitsumoto H, et al. H-MRS evidence of neurodegeneration and excess glutamate+glutamine in ALS medulla. Neurology 1999; 53:71-79 and Rooney W D, Miller R G, Gelinas D, et al. Decreased N-acetylaspartate in motor cortex and corticospinal tract in ALS. Neurology 1998; 50:1800-1805; the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). While DM is predominantly thought to be a spinal cord disease, its otherwise strong resemblance to ALS merits investigation into the presence of the neurochemical changes that may be also occurring in the brain. It is possible that these neurochemical changes are present in the absence of other microstructural changes identifiable on histopathology.

MRI may be used to study the effects of IT administration of AAV-iSO1 including the differences between treated and nontreated DM affected dogs in dampening the decreased level of anisotropy on DTI and a decreased level of NAA in CNS regions of interests.

Motor Unit Number Estimation (MUNE)

Motor unit number estimation (MUNE), is a non-invasive electrophysiologic technique for quantifying loss of LMNs or motor units. MUNE has been used to demonstrate loss of LMN function prior to the onset of clinical signs and as a predictor of progression in ALS. MUNE is determined by dividing the supramaximal compound muscle action potential (CMAP) by the average single motor unit potential (SMUP) (McComas A J, Fawcett P R, Campbell M J, Sica R E P. Electrophysiological estimation of the number of motor units within a human muscle. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1971; 34:121-131; the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). Negative peak area or amplitude may be used to calculate SMUP and CMAP. The calculation results in a unitless number that estimates the number of motor axons innervating that muscle group. Studies have shown that a decrease in the MUNE counts correlates well with disease progression in ALS patients (Shefner J M, Cudkowicz M E, Zhang H, et al. The use of statistical MUNE in a multicenter clinical trial. Muscle Nerve 2004; 30:463-469; the contents of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). The value in longitudinal monitoring of patients with early signs of ALS is its rate of change over time, thus may require sequential measurements. MUNE techniques differ in how the average SMUP is obtained. In modified incremental stimulation, the stimulating electrode remains in the same position and applies graded electrical stimuli to a peripheral nerve to obtain sequential incremental evoked potentials (McComas et al., 1971). A modified incremental stimulation MUNE technique for the extensor digitorum brevis muscle may be used in a longitudinal study in DM-affected dogs. Utilizing MUNE in canine DM with other clinical criteria in a dynamic study of DM will provide sensitive and specific measures (markers) not only of disease progression of the LMN but also of response to therapy that parallels a surrogate marker utilized in ALS patients.

Semi-Quantitative Locomotor Scale

Semi-quantitative procedures may score the function of an animal along an ordinal locomotor rating scale. Olby et al. adapted the BBB scale, an expanded locomotor scale used in rodents (Olby N J, De Risio L, Munana K R et al. Development of a functional scoring system in dogs with acute spinal cord injuries. Am J Vet Res. 2001; 62:1624-1628; the contents of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). The scale was validated to evaluate for recovery of pelvic limb and tail functions (motor and sensory) in paralyzed dogs after acute spinal cord injury (Olby N J, Harris T, Burr J et al. Recovery of pelvic limb function in dogs following acute intervertebral disc herniations. J Neurotrauma. 2004; 21:49-59; the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). Recovery was divided into 14 different grades. The Olby Locomotor Rating Scale can be modified in order to evaluate the ambulatory status in DM affected dogs. For intraobserver reliability, the videos were reviewed by 5 observers who scored the segments 3 times each over a period of 2 weeks with at least 48 hours in between repeat observations. The mean and SD of the scores allocated for each dog were used to calculate the intraobserver and interobserver coefficient of variabilities by using Fleiss Kappa-statistics. There was moderate agreement for ratings into categories 1 and 2, and substantial agreement in categories 3 to 5 [bias corrected value: Kappa (95% CI)=0.670 (0.53-0.796)]. This modified locomotor rating scale will serve to longitudinally evaluate the gait from ambulatory (Stage 1) to nonambulatory status (Stage 2) in a more sensitive manner. This rating scale can be used to more finely monitor severity of ambulation e.g. a score of 9 equates to the time point of 10 months when dogs become nonambulatory.

Electrical Impedance Myography (EIM)

Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a non-invasive electrophysiological technique of measuring localized tissue impedance. All impedance methods rely upon the basic principle that if an alternating current of high frequency and low-intensity is applied to a substance, energy will be dissipated as it travels through it, thus producing a measurable voltage. Therefore, electrical impedance can be used to measure the effect of tissue on the applied current. Impedance can be described mathematically based on Ohm's law V_(voltage)=I_(current)×R_(resistance) or V=I×Z, where Z represents the complex impedance of the circuit, a combination of its inherent resistance and its reactance (X); the latter is the obstruction to current flow produced by the presence of capacitors and/or inductors in the circuit. Skeletal muscle possesses a unique feature of strong anisotropy or directional dependence to current flow. Myocytes are cylindrical, which allow for current to readily flow across with different impedance values depending on the direction of the current. The lipid bilayers of the myocyte membrane act as the capacitors, the source of the reactance (X), and the intra- and extracellular fluids act as the resistors, the source of its resistance (R). The major EIM outcome variable is the phase angle (⊖), using the relationship ⊖=arctan (X/R). Measurements are taken using multiple electrodes spanning the region of interest or spatially averaged value ⊖_(avg), a principal outcome value/variable.

In diseased muscle, changes in structure and composition will be reflected in alterations in the localized impedance of the muscle. Diseased muscle can be manifested by atrophy of myofibers, increased endomysial connective tissue and fat, and edema; all can influence resistance and reactance. Based largely on the postmortem examination of tissues from ALS and DM patients, it is widely believed that the muscle atrophy characteristic of ALS is secondary to degeneration of motor neurons. However, muscle atrophy may be occurring to a large extent independently of and even prior to motor neuron degeneration in both ALS and DM. For identifying patterns of disease change, EIM parameters can serve as markers of disease progression and outcome measures. Lower ⊖_(avg) values reflect more serious disease based on studies of radiculopathy and inflammatory myopathy. Long-term studies of ALS patients and transgenic ALS rats have shown a steady decline in ⊖_(avg) values (Wang L L, Spieker A J, Li J, Rutkove S B. Electrical impedance myography for monitoring motor neuron loss in the SOD1 G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis rat. Clin Neurophysiol. 2011 December; 122(12):2505-11; Tarulli A W, Garmirian L P, Fogerson P M, Rutkove S B. Localized muscle impedance abnormalities in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Clin Neuromuscul Dis. 2009; 10(3):90-6; the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety), and correlation with survival and other conventional measures, i.e. forced vital capacity and ALS Functional Rating Scale. Currently such data on the use of EIM is lacking in DM-affected dogs. Application of EIM has a major advantage in that it is easily performed in awake animals, whereas most other diagnostic markers discussed thus far require general anesthesia. Dogs affected with DM should have changes in EIM values similar to human ALS patients, and that treatment with AAV.iSOD1 will impact these values.

Example 4. Targeting SOD1 for the Treatment of ALS

Overview

AAV gene therapy targeting SOD1 for the treatment of ALS will be studied using the gene therapy approach on canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) which is a naturally-occurring disease of companion dogs that is similar to some forms of ALS. The study will evaluate dosing paradigms in order to determine a homogenous distribution of gene transfer to target regions. Intrathecal (IT) administration of AAV has previously shown greater CNS distribution including prominent transduction of motor neurons, less peripheral tissue exposure and reduced immune responses than system dosing. The safety, pharmacology (including distribution) and efficacy of AAV gene therapy targeting SOD1 with IT administration in normal dogs and a naturally-occurring animal model of ALS, canine DM, can be evaluated.

Selection of Construct, Capsid and Dosing Paradigm

To identify an optimal RNAi sequence, 169 sequences selectively targeting SOD1 were designed, synthesized and tested in vitro in HeLa cells. At 100 pM approximately 25 sequences inhibited SOD1 mRNA by more than 80%.

Dosing

The AAV needs to be delivered with a dosing paradigm that provides a relatively homogenous distribution of gene transfer along the rostral-caudal axis of the CNS. This distribution should show a therapeutic translation to treat human ALS. Parameters such as volume, rate and duration of infusion can be varied in order to have the optimal distribution of transgene expression for the treatment of ALS.

Example 5. Pharmacology Study of AAV Targeting SOD1 in Normal Does

Dosing Regimen

AAV targeting SOD1 (AAV.iSOD1) is produced using triple transfection in HEK293 cells. The AAV.iSOD1 is tested prior to testing the dogs to ensure it is pharmacologically active in vivo by assessing SOD1 suppression in hSOD1 transgenic mice (Tg(SOD1)3Cje/J; The Jackson Laboratory) after direct CNS administration.

Up to approximately 80 male mongrel dogs (Marshall BioResources, North Rose, N.Y., USA) will be screened for pre-existing immunity to the AAV capsid by evaluating serum samples in an in vitro neutralizing antibody assay. Animals with antibody titers of <1:10 will be candidates for the study. 16 male mongrel dogs (including 2 alternates) will be surgically implanted with catheters. Dogs will be divided into four treatment groups and administered with AAV.iSOD1 or vehicle by IT dosing as shown in Table 11. The site will be either lumbar or cerebellomedullary cistern.

TABLE 11 Study Design Dose Conc. Volume No. of Day of Group # Test Article Rate (vg) (vg/ml) (ml) animals Necropsy 1 AAV.iSOD1 Infusion - 3 × 10¹³ 1 × 10¹³ 3 4 D 28 rate TBD 2 AAV.iSOD1 Bolus (1 3 × 10¹³ 1 × 10¹³ 3 4 D 28 mL/minute) 3 AAV.iSOD1 Infusion - 1 × 10¹⁴ 1 × 10¹³ 10 4 D 28 rate TBD 4 Vehicle Infusion to 0 0 3 2 D 28 match groups 1 and 3

After a pre-determined interval the dogs will be evaluated for clinical observations, body weight, functional observational batteries, neurological examinations, clinical pathology, organ weights, gross pathology, histopathology (H&E, expanded neuropathy panel), distribution of SOD1 suppression and vector genomes in spinal cord and other tissues and potential biomarkers in CSF.

Safety and Pharmacology

Male Mongrel dogs (Marshall BioResources, North Rose, N.Y., USA) weighing 15-30 kg at the time of injection will be used. After dosing, each dog will be monitored for changes in general appearance and behavior. Animals will be observed at least twice daily for morbidity and mortality beginning on the first day of dosing. Clinical signs will be recorded at least twice daily post-surgery throughout the study period. Any animal(s) determined to be moribund during the study period will be sacrificed. A comprehensive neurological examination will be performed weekly. Body weights will be recorded on all animals prior to surgery, on the day of surgery, weekly during the study and at necropsy. Food consumption will be collected daily beginning prior to surgery and continuing throughout the treatment period.

Blood and urine samples will be collected from fasted animals for clinical pathology (pre-dose on Day 1, Day 3 and just prior to necropsy on Day 28), serum antibody analysis (pre-dose on Day 1, Day 3 and just prior to necropsy on Day 28) and cytokine analysis (pre-dose on Day 1 and just prior to necropsy on Day 28). CSF samples will be collected just prior to dosing and on Day 28 for antibody analysis and potential biomarker assays. Four weeks after AAV administration, all animals will be euthanized and perfused with saline followed by collection of tissues including brain, spinal cord, dorsal root ganglion, liver, heart, spleen, kidney, and other organs. Organ weight and gross pathology will be recorded.

At the time of euthanasia, the brain will be cut in a brain matrix at 3 mm coronal slice thickness. The left hemisphere brain slices will be snap-frozen and stored at −60° C. or below until shipment. The spinal cord will be cut into approximately 25 segments including cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral segments. Selected segments will be snap-frozen and stored at −60° C. or below until shipment. Spinal nerve roots and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) will also be collected. The right hemisphere brain slices and selected spinal cord segments (e.g. C1, C7, T8 and L6/7) and pairs of DRGs with spinal nerves corresponding to C1, C7, T8, L6 and S2 will be immersion fixed in chilled 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) and kept at 1-8° C. for 72 hours with agitation. Tissues will then be transferred to 30% sucrose in 0.1M phosphate buffered saline and refrigerated (2-8° C.) until shipment. Fresh frozen tissues will be used for analyses that may include quantification of vector genomes, mRNA and/or transgene expression. Post-fixed tissues will be used for histopathology including hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and an expanded neuropathology panel.

Clinical Pathology

Clinical pathology will be conducted will include hematology, serum biochemistry, CSF analysis, urinalysis and coagulation evaluation. Although any parameters outside of reference range will be noted, mean hepatic enzymes ALT, GGT and ALP, indexes of hepatic function (albumin, glucose, cholesterol, bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN)), and creatine will be compared statistically using ANOVA. If any hepatic enzyme is outside of laboratory-established reference range, fasting blood ammonia concentration will be assayed to evaluate liver function in that dog. In addition to BUN and creatinine, urine specific gravity, urine protein and urine casts will be used to evaluate renal function. If proteinuria is detected at greater than trace amounts, protein: creatine ratio will be performed. Prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time and buccal mucosal bleeding time will be evaluated for coagulation abnormality. The CSF will be evaluated for protein concentration, cellularity and cell type.

Antibody Analysis

Analysis of serum and CSF for neutralizing antibodies will be performed using an in vitro cell-based assay to assess the serum or CSF sample for functional inhibition of transduction by AAV using a reporter.

Cytokine Analysis

Cytokine analysis of blood and CSF will be performed using canine specific assays. Cytokines that will be evaluated include IL-1 beta, IL-1RA, IL-6, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha.

Histological Procedures

Histological procedures and evaluation will be performed. The spinal cord and other tissue samples will be will be trimmed, embedded in paraffin, and sectioned (approximately 5 microns), and stained with H&E and an expanded neuropathology panel. H&E staining will be used for evaluating general histopathological changes, while Fluoro-Jade B and immunohistochemistry for cell-type specific markers (e.g. NeuN, GFAP, Ibal) will be used for assessing neuropathological changes.

SOD1 mRNA Quantitation

SOD1 suppression in spinal cord, DRG and other tissue samples will be assessed using quantitative RT-PCR to measure mRNA levels. Briefly, mRNA levels of SOD1, and endogenous GAPDH and/or beta-actin mRNA will be determined by qRT-PCR, using standard methods. The mean level of SOD1 mRNA will be normalized to the mean level of endogenous control mRNA for each sample. Samples will include cross-sections of spinal cord and whole DRG, as well as motor neurons, astrocytes and large sensory neurons identified by morphology and immunohistochemical markers such as choline acetyltransferase, GFAP and parvalbumin, respectively, and then collected by laser capture microdissection.

SOD1 Protein Assay

SOD1 suppression in spinal cord and other tissue samples will be assessed using Western blot analysis. Standard methods will be employed.

Vector Genome Quantitation

Vector genomes in spinal cord and other tissue samples will be assessed using quantitative PCR. Briefly, the copies of vector genomes and host diploid genomes will be determined by quantitative PCR, using standard methods. The mean level of the copies of vector genomes will be normalized to the copies of host diploid genomes for each sample.

Biomarker Assays

Biomarkers may be evaluated in CSF samples. For subsequent isolation of CSF exosomes, samples will be processed by centrifugation and filtration immediately following collection, and then snap-frozen and stored at −60° C. or below until shipment.

Example 6. Efficacy Study of AAV Targeting SOD1 in DM-Affected Dogs

Selection of Animals for Study

DM-affected companion dogs (n=20) in early Stage 1 of DM based on signs of mild general proprioceptive ataxia will be selected for the study. Diagnosis of DM will be based on clinical signs, normal MRI of the entire spinal cord and CSF analysis, lack of electrophysiologic abnormalities and homozygosity for the SOD1:c.118A allele. Dogs will also be screened for other major physical diseases.

Dosing Regimen

AAV targeting SOD1 (AAV.iSOD1) is produced by either the baculo/Sf9 system or triple transfection in HEK293 cell methods. The AAV.iSOD1 is tested prior to testing in the dogs to ensure it is pharmacologically active in vivo by assessing SOD1 suppression in hSOD1 transgenic mic (Tg(SOD1)3Cje/J; The Jackson Laboratory) after direct CNS administration.

DM-affected dogs will be screened for pre-existing immunity to the AAV capsid by evaluating serum samples in an in vitro neutralizing antibody assay. Animals with antibody titers of <1:10 will be candidates for the study. Dogs will be divided into two treatment groups and administered either AAV.iSOD1 or vehicle using an IT dosing paradigm (rate, dose and volume) that was shown to be safe and pharmacologically active in the normal dog study (See Example 5). Table 12 shows the study design for the DM-affected dogs. The site will be either lumbar or cerebellomedullary cistern.

TABLE 12 Study Design Dose Conc. Volume No. of Group # Test Article Rate (vg) (vg/ml) (ml) animals 1 AAV.iSOD1 TBD TBD 1 × 10¹³ TBD 15 2 Vehicle TBD 0 0 TBD 5

After a pre-determined interval, the dogs will be evaluated for neurologic deficits, time from onset of clinical signs to non-ambulatory paraparesis, gait grading scale, nerve conduction studies, electromyography, motor unit number estimation (MUNE), electrical impedance myography (EIM), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), clinicopathology studies, potential CSF biomarkers, and histopathology.

Monitoring of DM-Affected Dogs

The animals will be evaluated 2 to 3 months (baseline and up to 4 times) for physical and neurologic examinations, bloodwork, CSF sampling and urinalysis, and for longitudinal assessments and every month the gait of the animal will be reviewed. Times for assessments are outlined in Table 13 below:

TABLE 13 Assessments 3 6 9 11 Disease Measure Baseline months months months months pNF-H X X X X X DTI/MRS X — X — X Electrodiagnostic X X X X X MUNE EIM X X X X X Monitoring Gait and Neurologic Outcome

Disease progression will be monitored from Stage 1 (ambulatory, onset of signs) to 2 (nonambulatory). Nontreated DM-affected dogs will likely progress from Stage 1 to Stage 2 by 10 months (95% CI, 9-12). The Kaplan-Meier (KM) plots will be used to track the progression of DM across the cohort, and possibly the proportion of cohort transitioning from DM Stage 1 to 2. Therefore, proportion (and the associated one-sided 95% CI) of dogs not progressing to Stage 2 will be calculated. The gait of dogs between disease Stages 1 and 2 will be video-taped and graded by 2 experienced observers using the modified Olby Locomotor Rating Scale. Still dogs will be monitored during their entire disease course until euthanasia.

pNF-H

pNF-H will be monitored in the serum and CSF of the treated and nontreated DM-affected dogs. Serum and CSF samples will be collected at the designated times and at the time of euthanasia. All samples will be batched and sent to EnCor (Gainesville, Fla.) for assay and analysis. Comparisons between treatment groups will be made by repeated measures ANOVA followed by Holm-Sidak pairwise comparisons.

Cytokine Analysis

Cytokine analysis of blood and CSF will be performed using canine specific assays. Cytokines that will be evaluated include IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α.

DTI and MRS

At 3 time points MRIs will be performed on AAV.iSOD1 treated dogs. All MRI studies of the brain will be performed using a 3 Tesla Toshiba scanner with previously established canine parameters. DTI will be performed in 30 directions for superior resolution. In addition to standard 3D T1 anatomic imaging using an MPRAGE sequence, FA, ADC and color maps will be generated for data analysis. Single and multivoxel MRS acquisition will be performed on the brain of all dogs with previously established protocols, focusing on the thalamus, red nucleus and caudate nucleus as the regions of interest.

Descriptive statistics of mean, median and standard deviation for ADC, FA, NAA concentrations and NAA/Cr will be calculated. Differences between these values in the DM-affected versus unaffected dogs will be evaluated with a paired student's t test (P<0.05). Correlation coefficients will be established to compare MR values with disease severity.

Electrodiagnostic Testing and MUNE

Prospective electrodiagnostic evaluations will be performed at specified time points. Testing will be done using a Cadwell SIERRA-WAVE™ electrodiagnostic machine. Since disease onset is often asymmetric, the modified incremental stimulation MUNE technique of the EDB muscle will be applied to both pelvic limbs. Once sub-threshold level is established, stimulus increments will be applied until a different evoked potential is observed. 10 evoked potentials will be recorded and used as single motor unit potentials (SMUPs). Mean SMUP divided into supramaximal compound muscle action potential will yield MUNE. Two consecutive trials will be performed per session and averaged to decrease variability. Routine whole-body EMG and nerve conduction studies (including F waves) of the ulnar and sciatic-peroneal nerve will also be performed.

Frequency distribution plots will be generated to check the normality of MUNE data in DM-affected treated and nontreated dogs at disease Stages 1 and 2 and compared to age-matched normal dogs. Longitudinal declination of MUNE will be assessed for each limb. Raw data that are not normally distributed will be log transformed. Mean MUNE within each disease Stage (1-2) will be calculated and differences between groups (treated vs. nontreated dogs) and disease Stages (1-2) compared using 2-sample t tests. Bonferroni's adjustments will be applied to account for multiple comparisons of estimated MUNE averages between DM stages. Values of the means corresponding with each clinical stage will constitute the quantitative markers for disease progression in DM-affected dogs.

Electrical Impedance Myography (EDI)

EIM measurements by techniques will be performed as described in the art and as described in the protocol of the device (DF50 (Impedimed, Inc., San Diego Calif.)). The impedance measuring system consists of a multi-frequency lock-in amplifier coupled with a very low capacitance active probe providing data from 0.5-1000 kHz. Selected muscles will include the cranial tibialis and biceps femoris of the pelvic limb; the extensor carpi radialis and triceps of the thoracic limb; and tongue. Hair will be removed over overlying the area of interest for each limb muscles. To ensure similar positioning of voltage and current electrodes over the muscles of interest between evaluation times, a pinpoint tattoo will be applied as a reference point. Values obtained will include resistance (R) and reactance (X) from which the third parameter, phase (θ). Reactance-slope, phase-slope and the resistance log-slope will be calculated at different frequencies. The procedure will be performed at the designated time points and correlated with time at onset of signs to non-ambulatory status, gait scoring and MUNE values.

Frequency distribution plots will be generated to evaluate for normality of data. If raw data are not normally distributed, log transformation will be utilized to normalize the data. Thus, overall mean MUNE quantitative outcomes within each disease Stage (1-2) will be calculated and differences between disease Stages (1-2) and normal dogs using 2-sample t tests. Bonferroni's adjustments will be made to account for potential problems due to multiple comparisons of MUNE and EIM means between DM stages. EIM and MUNE data will be compared to each other and with time from onset of signs to non-ambulatory status and gait score. For all correlation analyses, Spearman rank correlations will be performed. Two-group comparisons will be made using the Mann-Whitney test. Statistical significance will be p<0.05. Power analysis will be performed at the conclusion of the experiment to determine the number of additional samples required for significance and group size for future studies. Dr. Rutkove will assist with data interpretation and statistical comparisons.

Example 7. In Vitro Study of Constructs Targeting Dog SOD1

A. Screen of siRNAs Targeting Dog SOD1

Seven siRNA constructs (10 nM) targeting dog SOD1 (dSOD1) and vehicle (negative control) were transfected in D-17 cells (ATCC cat #ATCC® CRL-1430™) or cf2Th cells (ATCC cat #ATCC® CRL-183™). The cell culture medium for both types of cells was DMEM/F-12 containing 2mMGlutaMAX™ supplement, 1×MEM non-essential amino acids solution, 10 mM HEPES and 10% FBS (all reagents from Life Technologies).

After 24 hours the cultures were harvested for measuring SOD1 and GAPDH mRNA by RT-qPCR. SOD1 mRNA levels were normalized to GAPDH mRNA levels, and then the normalized SOD1 mRNA levels were expressed relative to the vehicle (negative control) group. The relative SOD1 mRNA levels for both cell types after treatment with SOD1 siRNA (siSOD1) are shown in Table 14.

TABLE 14 Relative SOD1 mRNA level in D-17 and cf2Th cells after SOD1 siRNA construct transfection Relative dSOD1 mRNA Level (% of vehicle) Duplex ID D-17 Cf2Th D-4000 43 ± 8 43 ± 3 D-4001 35 ± 4 40 ± 5 D-4002 84 ± 3 100 ± 12 D-4003 77 ± 8 87 ± 8 D-4004 36 ± 3 40 ± 2 D-4005 36 ± 1 49 ± 2 D-4006 95 ± 8 100 ± 15 Control 100 ± 9  100 ± 10

Treatment with SOD1 siRNA constructs having the duplex ID D-4000, D-4001, D-4004, and D-4005 resulted in greater than 50% suppression of dSOD1 mRNA levels in both D-17 cells and cf2Th cells.

B. Pharmacological Evaluation of Self-Complimentary Vectors

For this study, self-complementary vectors encoding siRNA constructs targeting dog SOD1 (dSOD1) were packaged in AAV2. For this study, degenerative myelopathy (DM) dog primary brain astrocytes, DM dog primary spinal cord astrocytes, and D-17 cells (ATCC cat #ATCC® CRL-1430™) were used to test the constructs. The cell culture medium for D-17 cells was DMEM/F-12 containing 2 mM GlutaMAX supplement, 1×MEM non-essential amino acids solution, 10 mM HEPES and 10% FBS (all reagents from Life Technologies). The cell culture medium for primary astrocytes was AGM™ astrocyte growth medium (cat #: CC-3186, Lonza). Cells were plated into 96-well plates and infected with AAV2-dSOD1 miRNA vectors in triplicate (1-2×10⁴ cells/well in 200 ul cell culture medium).

Dog SOD1 and GAPDH mRNA were measured by RT-qPCR 48 hours after infection with the vectors. SOD1 mRNA levels were normalized to GAPDH mRNA levels, and then expressed relative to the negative control group.

Table 15 shows the relative dSOD1 mRNA levels in DM dog primary brain astrocytes, DM dog primary spinal cord astrocytes, and D-17 cells after infection with scAAV2-dSOD1 miR vectors at a MOI of 1×10⁵.

TABLE 15 Relative SOD1 mRNA level after infection with scAAV2-dSOD1 miR vectors Relative dSOD1 mRNA Level (%) (Normalized to control) DM dog Dog primary DM dog primary spinal primary brain cord brain Construct astrocytes astrocytes astrocytes VOYSOD1mir104-788.2 18 ± 2 18 ± 1 12 ± 3 VOYSOD1miR104-829 39 ± 6 34 ± 2 22 ± 3 VOYSOD1miR104-789 31 ± 3 26 ± 3 11 ± 1 VOYSOD1miR127-788.2 32 ± 2 22 ± 3 10 ± 2 VOYSOD1miR104-830 26 ± 3 25 ± 4  9 ± 1 VOYSOD1mir127-788 54 ± 0 40 ± 0 20 ± 0 VOYSOD1miR127-829 68 ± 5 56 ± 2 41 ± 7 VOYSOD1miR127-789 73 ± 9 45 ± 4 19 ± 2 VOYSOD1miR127-830  60 ± 11 41 ± 2 20 ± 3

Treatment with constructs VOYSOD1mir104-788.2, VOYSOD1miR104-829, VOYSOD1miR104-789, VOYSOD1miR127-788.2, VOYSOD1miR104-830, and VOYSOD1mir127-788 packaged in AAV2 were effective in suppressing dSOD1 mRNA in all three cell types by at least 45%.

Table 16 shows the relative dSOD1 mRNA levels in DM dog primary spinal cord astrocytes after infection with scAAV2-dSOD1 miR vectors at different MOIs (1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, or 1×10⁵), containing constructs VOYSOD1mir104-788.2, VOYSOD1miR104-789, VOYSOD1miR127-788.2, or VOYSOD1miR104-830. A control AAV2.eGFP vector was also evaluated at these MOIs.

TABLE 16 Relative SOD1 mRNA levels in DM dog primary spinal cord astrocytes after infection with scAAV2-dSOD1 miR vectors or control vector (AAV2.eGFP) - dose-response Relative dSOD1 mRNA Level (%) (Normalized to control) VOYSOD1miR104- VOYSOD1miR104- VOYSOD1miR127- VOYSOD1miR104- MOI 788.2 789 788.2 830 eGFP 1 × 10²  61 ± 11 91 ± 5 86 ± 3 72 ± 3 105 ± 3 1 × 10³ 24 ± 2 32 ± 8 42 ± 6 33 ± 2  83 ± 2 1 × 10⁴ 16 ± 2 23 ± 4 22 ± 3 17 ± 2 110 ± 4 1 × 10⁵ 15 ± 3 21 ± 6 17 ± 4 19 ± 2 103 ± 6 C. Screen of SOD1 Constructs

Four siRNA constructs targeting dog SOD1 (D-4000, D-4007, D-4008, D-4002) were transfected in cf2Th cells (ATCC cat #ATCC® CRL-183) (2×10⁴ cells/well in 96-well plate, triplicate for each condition). The cell culture medium was DMEM/F-12 containing 2mMGlutaMAX™ supplement, 1×MEM non-essential amino acids solution, 10 mM HEPES and 10% FBS (all reagents from Life Technologies).

After 48 hours, the cultures were harvested for measuring SOD1 and GAPDH mRNA levels. dSOD1 mRNA levels were normalized to GAPDH mRNA levels, and then expressed relative to the negative control group. These relative dSOD1 mRNA levels are shown in Table 17.

TABLE 17 Relative SOD1 mRNA levels in cf2Th cells after transfection of dog SOD1 siRNAs at different doses Dose of Relative dSOD1 mRNA Level dog SOD1 (Fold) (Normalized to control) siRNA (nM) D-4000 D-4007 D-4008 D-4002 0 1.00 ± 0.11 1.01 ± 0.18 1.01 ± 0.12 1.00 ± 0.02 0.31 0.69 ± 0.07 0.83 ± 0.20 0.86 ± 0.06 0.93 ± 0.08 0.62 0.66 ± 0.09 0.63 ± 0.09 0.74 ± 0.04 0.73 ± 0.09 1.25 0.66 ± 0.13 0.70 ± 0.08 0.81 ± 0.06 0.78 ± 0.07 2.5 0.52 ± 0.07 0.48 ± 0.03 0.68 ± 0.09 0.72 ± 0.06 5 0.47 ± 0.04 0.57 ± 0.02 0.75 ± 0.07 0.75 ± 0.05 10 0.39 ± 0.02 0.45 ± 0.09 0.67 ± 0.04 0.74 ± 0.06 20 0.36 ± 0.02 0.43 ± 0.06 0.66 ± 0.05  0.7 ± 0.06

The transfection of D-4000, D-4007, D-4008 or D-4002 caused dose-dependent SOD1 silencing in cf2Th cells. D-4000 provided the maximum suppression of dSOD1 mRNA (˜64% suppression).

Seven siRNA constructs targeting dog SOD1 (dSOD1) and a control were transfected (10 nM) into HEK293T, cf2Th, D-17, and dog primary spinal cord astrocyte cells. After 24 hours the cultures were harvested for measuring SOD1 mRNA levels. The relative dSOD1 mRNA levels are shown in Table 18.

TABLE 18 Relative SOD1 mRNA level Relative dSOD1 mRNA Level (% of control) Dog primary spinal cord Duplex ID HEK293T cf2Th D-17 astrocytes D-4000 12 ± 9 43 ± 3 43 ± 8 69 ± 8 D-4001  7 ± 2 40 ± 5 35 ± 4 57 ± 3 D-4002 12 ± 2 100 ± 12 84 ± 3 105 ± 15 D-4003  8 ± 1 87 ± 8 77 ± 8 94 ± 3 D-4004 17 ± 1 40 ± 2 36 ± 3 65 ± 5 D-4005 21 ± 1 49 ± 2 36 ± 1 87 ± 7 D-4006 24 ± 2 100 ± 15 95 ± 8 97 ± 8 Control 100 ± 3  100 ± 10 100 ± 9  100 ± 11

In HEK293T cells, all dog SOD1 siRNAs (10 nM) led to robust suppression of SOD1 mRNA levels (suppression by 75-95%). In cf2Th cells, transfection of dog SOD1 siRNAs (D-4000, D-4005, D-4004, D-4001) at 10 nM led to 50-60% suppression of SOD1 mRNA levels. In D-17 cells, transfection of dog SOD1 siRNAs (D-4000, D-4005, D-4004, D-4001) at 10 nM led to 55-65% knock-down of SOD1. In dog primary spinal cord astrocytes, transfection of dog SOD1 siRNAs (D-4000, D-4004, D-4001) at 10 nM led to 30-45% suppression of SOD1 mRNA levels. Duplexes D-4000, D-4001, D-4004, and D-4005 were selected for further studies.

D. Evaluation of AAV2 Vectors in HEK293T

For this study, AAV vectors with siRNA constructs targeting dog SOD1 (dSOD1) were packaged in AAV2. HEK293T cells were plated into 96-well plates and infected with AAV2-dSOD1 miRNA vectors at a MOI of 1×10⁵, 1×10⁴ or a control, in triplicate (4×10⁴ cells/well in 200 ul cell culture medium).

Dog SOD1 and GAPDH mRNA levels were measured by RT-qPCR 48 hours after infection with the vectors. SOD1 mRNA levels were normalized to GAPDH mRNA levels, and then expressed relative to the negative control group.

Table 19 shows the relative SOD1 mRNA levels in HEK293T cells after infection with scAAV2-dSOD1 miR vectors as MOI of 1×10⁵.

TABLE 19 Relative SOD1 mRNA levels in HEK293T cells after AAV Infection at a MOI of 1 × 10⁵ Relative SOD1 mRNA Level (% of control) Construct Name HEK293T VOYSOD1miR104-805c 109.7 ± 6.8  Iodixanol/Control 100.4 ± 4.4  VOYSOD1miR109-805c 82.5 ± 2.7 VOYSOD1miR116-805c 78.4 ± 3.2 VOYSOD1miR114-805c 74.7 ± 1.8 VOYSOD1mir102-805c 69.0 ± 1.3 VOYSOD1miR104-788 48.7 ± 1.0 VOYSOD1miR127-805c 37.0 ± 1.6 VOYSOD1miR116-788 31.7 ± 1.9 VOYSOD1miR114-788 31.6 ± 0.7 VOYSOD1miR102-788 27.5 ± 0.7 VOYSOD1miR109-788 26.1 ± 1.0 VOYSOD1miR127-788  0.2 ± 0.0

Table 20 shows the relative SOD1 mRNA levels in HEK293T cells after infection with scAAV2-dSOD1 miR vectors at MOI of 1×10⁴. Dog SOD1 and GAPDH mRNA levels were measured by RT-qPCR 48 hours after infection with the vectors. SOD1 mRNA levels were normalized to GAPDH mRNA levels, and then expressed relative to the negative control group.

TABLE 20 Relative SOD1 mRNA levels in HEK293T cells after AAV Infection at MOI of 1 × 10⁴ Relative SOD1 mRNA Level (% of control) Construct Name HEK293T VOYSOD1miR104-788-2  3.9 ± 0.2 VOYSOD1miR104-789  5.0 ± 9.2 VOYSOD1miR104-829 11.9 ± 0.5 VOYSOD1miR104-830  1.1 ± 0.0 VOYSOD1miR127-788-2  7.9 ± 0.3 VOYSOD1miR127-789 43.5 ± 0.5 VOYSOD1miR127-829 32.0 ± 1.2 VOYSOD1miR127-830 15.0 ± 0.3 dsCherry (ITR to ITR 100.0 ± 0.8  sequence provided as SEQ ID NO: 147) VOYSOD1miR127-860  2.1 ± 0.1 positive control uninfected 61.7 ± 1.5

At a MOI of 1×10⁵, VOYSOD1miR127-805c, VOYSOD1miR116-788, VOYSOD1miR114-788, VOYSOD1miR102-788, VOYSOD1miR109-788, and VOYSOD1miR127-788 provided at least 60% reduction of SOD1 mRNA in HEK293 cells. VOYSOD1miR127-788 led to 99% reduction of SOD1 mRNA in HEK293T cells. At a MOI of IE4, VOYSOD1miR127-789 and VOYSOD1miR127-829 lead to 57-68% reduction of SOD1 mRNA, and VOYSOD1miR104-788-2, VOYSOD1miR104-789, VOYSOD1miR104-829, VOYSOD1miR104-830, and VOYSOD1miR127-830 lead to 85-99% reduction of SOD1 mRNA.

E. Evaluation of Constructs Packaged in AAV2

siRNA constructs targeting dog SOD1 (dSOD1) were packaged in AAV2 and infected in cf2Th, D-17 cells, dog spinal cord astrocytes and fibroblasts. The cell culture medium for D-17 cells and cf2Th cells was DMEM/F-12 containing 2mMGlutaMAX™ supplement, 1×MEM non-essential amino acids solution, 10 mM HEPES and 10% FBS (all reagents were ordered from Life Technologies). The cell culture medium for primary astrocytes was AGM™ astrocyte growth medium (cat #: CC-3186, Lonza). The cell culture medium for fibroblasts was DMEM/F-12 containing 2mMGlutaMAX™ supplement, 1×MEM Non-Essential Amino Acids Solution, 10 mM HEPES and 10% FBS, 2 ng/ml human FGF-2 and 5 ug/ml human insulin (all reagents ordered from Life Technologies). Cells were plated into 96-well plates and infected with AAV2-dSOD1 miRNA vectors in triplicate (1-2E4 cells/well in 200 ul cell culture medium).

Dog SOD1 and GAPDH mRNAs were measured by RT-qPCR 48 hours after infection with the vectors at MOI of 1×10⁵ or 1×10⁶. dSOD1 mRNA levels were normalized to GAPDH mRNA levels, and then expressed relative to the negative control group.

Tables 21 and 22 shows the relative dSOD1 mRNA levels after infection with scAAV2-dSOD1 miR vectors at an MOI of 1×10⁵.

TABLE 21 Relative dSOD1 mRNA levels in cf2Th, D-17, dog spinal cord astrocytes and dog fibroblasts after AAV Infection at a MOI of 1 × 10⁵ Relative dSOD1 mRNA Level (% of mCherry) Dog Spinal Dog Cord Fibro- Construct Name cf2Th D-17 Astrocytes blasts mCherry 101 ± 6  101 ± 5  103 ± 6  101 ± 8  VOYSOD1miR109-805c 86 ± 3 84 ± 2 96 ± 3 99 ± 2 VOYSOD1miR114-805c 85 ± 2 83 ± 3 94 ± 3 98 ± 3 VOYSOD1miR102-805c 82 ± 3 81 ± 2 94 ± 2 97 ± 7 VOYSOD1miR104-805c 81 ± 5 80 ± 3 93 ± 4 97 ± 3 VOYSOD1miR116-805c 74 ± 2 74 ± 3 85 ± 3 96 ± 3 VOYSOD1miR104-788 68 ± 3 64 ± 3 84 ± 3 93 ± 2 VOYSOD1miR114-788 63 ± 4 59 ± 3 82 ± 3 89 ± 3 VOYSOD1miR127-805c 62 ± 4 59 ± 2 79 ± 4 86 ± 3 VOYSOD1miR109-788 61 ± 3 58 ± 2 72 ± 2 85 ± 2 VOYSOD1miR102-788 59 ± 7 57 ± 1 72 ± 2 80 ± 3 VOYSOD1miR116-788 55 ± 3 54 ± 4 71 ± 4 78 ± 3 VOYSOD1miR127-788 31 ± 4 19 ± 2 54 ± 2 65 ± 1

In cf2Th and D17 cells, infection with scAAV2-dSOD1 miR vectors containing VOYSOD1miR104-788, VOYSOD1miR114-788, VOYSOD1miR127-805c, VOYSOD1miR109-788, VOYSOD1miR102-788, or VOYSOD1miR116-788 at a MOI of 1×10⁵ resulted in suppression of SOD1 mRNA levels by ˜30-45%. However, infection with scAAV2-dSOD1 miR vector containing VOYSOD1miR127-788 at a MOI of 1×10⁵ resulted in ˜70-80% suppression of SOD1 mRNA levels. In dog primary cells (spinal cord astrocytes and fibroblasts), VOYSOD1miR127-788 led to ˜35-45% knock-down of SOD1 mRNA at a MOI of 1×10⁵.

TABLE 22 Relative dSOD1 mRNA levels in dog brain astrocytes, D-17 cells, dog spinal cord astrocytes and dog fibroblasts after AAV infection at a MOI of 1 × 10⁵ Relative dSOD1 mRNA Level (% of mCherry) Dog Dog Spinal Dog Brain Cord Fibro- Construct Name Astrocytes D-17 Astrocytes blasts mCherry 100 ± 4  100 ± 3  100 ± 3  100 ± 3  VOYSOD1miR127-829 68 ± 2 41 ± 3 56 ± 1 74 ± 3 VOYSOD1miR127-789 73 ± 4 19 ± 1 45 ± 2 74 ± 2 VOYSOD1miR127-830 60 ± 4 20 ± 1 41 ± 1 73 ± 2 VOYSOD1miR104-829 39 ± 2 22 ± 1 34 ± 1 51 ± 1 VOYSOD1miR104-789 31 ± 1 11 ± 0 26 ± 1 50 ± 1 VOYSOD1miR127- 32 ± 1 10 ± 1 22 ± 1 41 ± 1 788.2 VOYSOD1miR104-830 26 ± 1  9 ± 0 25 ± 2 37 ± 1 VOYSOD1miR104- 18 ± 1 12 ± 1 18 ± 0 21 ± 1 788.2

In dog brain astrocytes, dog spinal cord astrocytes, dog fibroblasts and D-17 cells, infection with scAAV2-dSOD1 miR vectors containing VOYSOD1miR104-829, VOYSOD1miR104-789, VOYSOD1miR127-788.2, VOYSOD1miR104-830, or VOYSOD1miR104-788.2 showed at least approximately 50% SOD1 mRNA suppression.

Table 23 shows the relative dSOD1 mRNA levels after infection with scAAV2-dSOD1 miR vectors at an MOI of 1×10⁶.

TABLE 23 Relative dSOD1 mRNA levels in dog brain astrocytes, D-17 cells, dog spinal cord astrocytes and dog fibroblasts after AAV infection at a MOI of 1 × 10⁶ Relative dSOD1 mRNA Level (% of mCherry) Dog Dog Spinal Dog Brain Cord Fibro- Construct Name D-17 Astrocytes Astrocytes blasts mCherry 100 ± 2  100 ± 3  100 ± 2  100 ± 4 VOYSOD1miR109-805c 91 ± 2 101 ± 3  110 ± 3  112 ± 4 VOYSOD1miR114-805c 79 ± 5 90 ± 6 102 ± 4  106 ± 3 VOYSOD1miR102-805c 76 ± 4 103 ± 7  92 ± 3 101 ± 4 VOYSOD1miR104-805c 91 ± 3 98 ± 3 107 ± 4  101 ± 1 VOYSOD1miR116-805c 86 ± 8 94 ± 3 100 ± 3  104 ± 2 VOYSOD1miR104-788 76 ± 6 87 ± 5 84 ± 2 109 ± 2 VOYSOD1miR114-788 43 ± 1 80 ± 4 79 ± 1 102 ± 4 VOYSOD1miR127-805c 62 ± 7 83 ± 2 91 ± 4  97 ± 3 VOYSOD1miR109-788 59 ± 5 91 ± 7 80 ± 4 104 ± 3 VOYSOD1miR102-788 71 ± 3 92 ± 2 82 ± 4 105 ± 4 VOYSOD1miR116-788 51 ± 4 88 ± 4 82 ± 2  99 ± 4 VOYSOD1miR127-788 10 ± 1 42 ± 4 33 ± 1  56 ± 1

In D17 cells, infection with scAAV2-dSOD1 miR vector containing VOYSOD1miR127-788 resulted in the maximal suppression (by ˜90%) of SOD1 mRNA at a MOI of 1×10⁶. In dog primary cells, VOYSOD1miR127-788 led to 44-67% suppression of SOD1 mRNA at a MOI of 1×10⁶.

A dose-response study was conducted with infection with scAAV2-dSOD1 miR vector containing VOYSOD1miR104-788.2, VOYSOD1miR104-789, VOYSOD1miR104-829, VOYSOD1miR104-830, or VOYSOD1miR127-788.2 at MOIs of 1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, and 1×10⁶ in spinal cord astrocytes and D-17 cells. With scAAV2-dSOD1 miR vector containing VOYSOD1miR104-788.2, VOYSOD1miR104-789, VOYSOD1miR104-829, VOYSOD1miR104-830 and VOYSOD1miR127-788.2, dose-dependent SOD1 mRNA silencing in D-17 cells and spinal cord astrocytes and 50% SOD1 mRNA knock-down was achieved by infection of AAV SOD1 miRNA vectors at a MOI of 1×10² and 1×10³ in both cell types.

A further dose-response study was conducted with scAAV2-dSOD1 miR vector containing VOYSOD1miR127-788 at a MOI of 1×10², 1×10³, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, and 1×10⁶ in dog brain astrocytes, spinal cord astrocytes, cf2Th cells, and D-17 cells. In cf2Th cells, D-17 cells and spinal cord astrocytes, 50% knock-down of SOD1 mRNA was achieved at a MOI of 1×10³ and 1×10⁴. In dog brain astrocytes, 50% knock-down of SOD1 mRNA was achieved with an MOI of at least 1×10⁵.

Example 8. In Vivo Study of Constructs

A. In Vivo Selection Study in Mouse

Transgenic mice expressing human wild-type SOD1 (C57BL/6-Tg(SOD1)3Cje/J) were administered one of six candidates (VOYSOD1miR104-829, VOYSOD1miR104-789, VOYSOD1miR127-788.2, VOYSOD1miR104-788.2, VOYSOD1miR104-830, VOYSOD1miR127-788) packaged in AAVDJ, or vehicle by unilateral intrastriatal infusion of 5 uL test article at 0.5 uL/min. Vector concentrations were 1.5×10¹² vg/mL corresponding to a total administered dose of 7.5×10⁹ vg.

Four weeks after dosing, striatal tissues from the site of administration were evaluated for SOD1 mRNA suppression by RT-qPCR relative to the vehicle group, and for pri-miRNA processing by deep sequencing.

Shown in Table 24 are the SOD1 mRNA levels normalized to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and then expressed relative to the vehicle group (n=5 per group).

TABLE 24 Suppression of hSOD1 mRNA in Human Wild-Type SOD1 Mice by Pri-miRNA Constructs Packaged in AAVDJ hSOD1 mRNA (normalized to mGAPDH) (fold change relative to Construct Name vehicle) (Average ± SD) VOYSOD1miR104-829 0.31 ± 0.06 VOYSOD1miR104-789 0.53 ± 0.19 VOYSOD1miR127-788.2 0.70 ± 0.09 VOYSOD1miR104-788.2 0.38 ± 0.05 VOYSOD1miR104-830 0.45 ± 0.17 VOYSOD1miR127-788 0.33 ± 0.11 Vehicle   1 ± 0.11

VOYSOD1miR104-788.2 and VOYSOD1miR104-829 were also evaluated using next generation sequencing to assess precision and efficiency of pri-miRNA processing; the results are shown in Table 25. In Table 25, G/P ratio means guide/passenger strand ratio.

TABLE 25 Precision and Efficacy of pri-miRNA Processing in Human Wild- Type SOD1 Mice after AAVDJ.CB6.miRSOD1 Administration Abundance relative to 5′-End G/P endogenous processing Construct Name Ratio miRNAs (%) precision (% N) VOYSOD1miR104-788.2 314 11.1 89 VOYSOD1miR104-829 434 16.4 78 B. In Vivo Pharmacology and Safety Study in Normal Dog

AAV vectors for these studies were generated using the triple transfection method in HEK293 cells.

Normal dogs were dosed intrathecally with scAAVrh10.H1.miR104-788.2 (ITR to ITR sequence provided as SEQ ID NO: 145) or scAAVrh10.H1.miR104-829 (ITR to ITR sequence provided as SEQ ID NO: 146) at a dose of 2×10¹³ vg or 6×10¹³ vg, or vehicle (n=4 per group). Animals were euthanized after 4 weeks and samples were collected for further analysis.

Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) from L5, T7 or C4 were assessed by RT-qPCR for levels of canine SOD1 (dSOD1), GAPDH, alanyl-tRNA synthetase (AARS) and X-prolyl aminopeptidase 1 (XPNPEP1) mRNA. dSOD1 mRNA levels were normalized to the geometric mean of the housekeeping genes (GAPDH, AARS, and XPNPEP1), and then expressed relative to the vehicle group. Shown in Table 26 are the relative SOD1 mRNA levels in DRG for scAAVrh10.H1.miR104-788.2 with and without immunosuppression. Shown in Table 27 are the relative SOD1 mRNA levels in DRG for scAAVrh10.H1.miR104-829 with immunosuppression.

TABLE 26 SOD1 mRNA expression in DRG after treatment with scAAVrh10.H1.miR104-788.2 SOD mRNA normalized to geomean (GAPDH, AARS and XPNPEP1) Immuno- (relative to vehicle) (Average ± SD) suppression Dose (vg) L5 DRG T7 DRG C4 DRG With 2 × 10¹³ 0.54 ± 0.10 0.66 ± 0.07 0.74 ± 0.08 Immuno- 6 × 10¹³ 0.30 ± 0.09 0.34 ± 0.06 0.40 ± 0.21 suppression vehicle   1 ± 0.27   1 ± 0.26   1 ± 0.24 Without 6 × 10¹³ 0.40 ± 0.12 0.43 ± 0.06 0.39 ± 0.11 Immuno- vehicle   1 ± 0.25   1 ± 0.14   1 ± 0.12 suppression

TABLE 27 SOD1 mRNA expression in DRG after treatment with scAAVrh10.H1.miR104-829 SOD mRNA normalized to geomean (GAPDH, AARS and XPNPEP1) Immuno- (relative to vehicle) suppression Dose (vg) L5 DRG T7 DRG C4 DRG With 2 × 10¹³ 0.87 ± 0.16 0.74 ± 0.10 0.61 ± 0.09 Immuno- 6 × 10¹³ 0.64 ± 0.27 0.57 ± 0.08 0.74 ± 0.40 suppression vehicle   1 ± 0.25   1 ± 0.14   1 ± 0.12

The levels of dSOD1 mRNA were evaluated in the liver and the results are shown in Table 28 for scAAVrh10.H1.miR104-788.2.

TABLE 28 SOD1 mRNA expression in liver after treatment with scAAVrh10.H1.miR104-788.2 SOD mRNA normalized to geomean (GAPDH, AARS and XPNPEP1) (relative to vehicle) Immunosuppression Dose (vg) Liver With 2 × 10¹³ 0.23 ± 0.16 Immunosuppression 6 × 10¹³ 0.17 ± 0.07 vehicle   1 ± 0.15 Without 6 × 10¹³ 0.42 ± 0.14 Immunosuppression vehicle   1 ± 0.15

For dSOD1 mRNA levels in the spinal cord, scAAVrh10.H1.miR104-788.2 at a dose of 6×10¹³ vg (with immunosuppression) resulted in a suppression of 41±9% (average±standard deviation) relative to vehicle (spinal cord ventral horn mRNA levels of dSOD1 were normalized to the geometric mean of GAPDH, AARS, and XPNPEP1).

Using DuplexRNAscope in situ hybridization for co-detection of vg and dSOD1 mRNA in the ventral horn of the spinal cord, a reduction of SOD1 mRNA in vg+ cells was seen in the ventral horn for scAAVrh10.H1.miR104-788.2 at a dose of 6×10¹³ vg, relative to the vehicle group.

scAAVrh10.H1.miR104-788.2 at a dose of 6×10¹³ vg also had a high guide/passenger strand ratio (170 in DRG and 373 in spinal cord ventral horn), precise processing at the 5′ end of the guide strand (>90%), and a low level of guide and passenger strands relative to the total endogenous pool of miRNAs (6.7+/−5.1% for DRGs and 0.9+/−0.6% for the spinal cord ventral horn.

scAAVrh10.H1.miR104-788.2, with and without immunosuppression, was well-tolerated in all animals. No significant vector-related effects on body weight, clinical signs, clinical pathology (days 15 and 29), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) chemistry (day 29) or CSF total cell counts (day 29). There were no gross lesions and the histopathology of the DRG, spinal cord and brain showed no significant vector-related findings.

scAAVrh10.H1.miR104-788.2 was selected for additional studies as it demonstrated safety, dose-dependent knock-down in vitro, 62% knock-down of SOD1 mRNA in human wild-type SOD1 transgenic mice, and knock-down in normal dogs of SOD1 in the DRG of up to 74% and in the spinal cord of up to 41%.

Example 9. Tolerability and Distribution of AAV in Normal Dog

Distribution of AAVrh10 capsids had not been previously reported, therefore studies needed to be conducted to confirm that AAVrh10 distributes to motor neurons and DRG neurons of the dog, as in other species. The primary objective of this pilot study was to assess the acute tolerability of AAV lumbar IT delivery in a canine model. No neuropathology or clinical pathology/toxicology analysis was conducted.

Six adult male beagles aged 13 mo (10-13 kg) were pre-screened for serum neutralizing antibody titers to AAVrh10 and AAV9. Six animals were implanted with an intrathecal (IT) catheter with the tip located at the upper lumbar spine and which terminated in a subcutaneous access port. Prior to dosing, the animals were immunosuppressed using cyclosporine and mycophenolate. While sedated, the animals were administered three 1-mL injections (1 mL/minute) of test article (dose 2.7×10¹³ vg) at 1-hour intervals for a total time of approximately 2.5 hours. The sixth animal (Group 4) was used for the collection of control tissues. Table 29 shows the study design. In Table 29 under test article, “sc” means self-complementary, CBA is the CBA promoter, hFXN is human Frataxin, and HA is the HA tag.

TABLE 29 Study Design Total Test Rate Vol. Conc. Dose Group n Article (mL/min) (mL) (vg/mL) (vg) 1 1 Vehicle 1 3 0 0 2 2 scAAV9-CBA- 1 3 9.0 × l0¹² 2.7 × 10¹³ hFXN-HA 3 2 scAAVrh10- 1 3 9.0 × 10¹² 2.7 × 10¹³ CBA-hFXN- HA 4 1 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

The animals were injected with AAV vectors (scAAVx-CBA-hFXN-HA) using either AAV9 or AAVrh10 capsids. After 2.5 weeks, the animals were perfused with saline and spinal cord, DRGs, and brain were processed for analysis. Half of the samples were post-fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for 72-96 hrs whereas the other half was fresh frozen.

In-life observations and measurements for animals in Groups 1 through 3 included body weight, food consumption, and clinical observations. There were no test article-related clinical signs during this study. There were no test article-related changes in body weight or food consumption. There were no test article-related gross lesions observed at necropsy.

Histological evaluation of the spinal cord and DRGs with HA-immunohistochemistry demonstrated motor neuron transduction that was most prominent in the L5 spinal cord in all animals. A gradient pattern was observed with rostral levels exhibiting less motor neuron staining (C1<T4<L5), independent of treatment group. Sensory neuron transduction was observed in DRGs from all levels (cervical, thoracic and lumbar) in both treatment groups. In summary, IT delivery of both AAV9 and AAVrh10 constructs resulted in positive anti-HA immunoreactivity in both spinal cord and DRG neurons. These results showed that an IT dosing paradigm consisting of three ˜1 mL lumbar injections every hour achieved target levels of transduction particularly in the more caudal regions of the spinal cord, with less transduction in more rostral regions of the spinal cord.

Example 10. CSF and Serum Neurofilament Light Chain Levels as a Biomarker

Background

Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a late-onset, progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting many pure and mixed-breed dogs. Clinical signs are the result of multisystem neurodegeneration involving the central and peripheral nervous systems. DM initially manifests as spastic upper motor neuron paraparesis and general proprioceptive ataxia (stage 1). Progressive neurodegeneration results in non-ambulatory paraparesis/paraplegia (stage 2) and thoracic limb paresis (stage 3). End-stage disease culminates in flaccid tetraplegia, widespread muscle atrophy and bulbar dysfunction (stage 4). Superoxide dismutase 1 gene (SOD1) mutations (SOD1:c.118A, SOD1: c.52T) are risk factors for DM, with most cases resulting from autosomal recessive inheritance. The disease is considered to be similar in cause, progression, and prognosis to some forms of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Diagnosis is based on exclusion of other mimicking diseases and a definitive diagnosis of DM can, at this point, only be made postmortem by histopathologic examination of the spinal cord. Neurofilament light chain (NF-L), an abundant structural protein of myelinated motor axons, is a promising fluid biomarker of animal and human motor neuron diseases, including ALS. Blood and CSF NF-L levels have diagnostic value in ALS, and may correlate with disease progression and thereby serve as a biomarker of treatment effect. A study was conducted to assess serum and CSF NF-L levels as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and disease progression in DM dogs.

Study Design

Serum samples and CSF samples from three types of dogs were analyzed for this study. Group 1 included young (1 to 5 years) and aged (>9 years) normal control dogs (n=13-17), Group 2 included DM-affected dogs (homozygous for the SOD1c.118A allele) of stage 1 through 4 (n=22-25), and Group 3 included aged asymptomatic dogs (homozygous for the SOD1c.118A allele).

Analysis and Results: Normal Dogs

Prior to sample testing, the digital ELISA was assessed for dilution linearity, stability and spike recovery of NFL in CSF and serum of normal dogs. Commercially available digital ELISA (Quanterix) for human NF-L (which is 98% conserved with canine NFL) was used for the analysis. FIG. 1. shows a representative NF-L calibration curve for the Quanterix Simoa hNF-L (Beta) assay. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated as the NF-L level at an average enzyme per bead (AEB) equal to the average of the zero calibrator+2.5SD.

Dilution linearity of a digital ELISA for NF-L was tested in CSF of eight normal dogs. As shown in Table 30, concentrations within ±20% were observed at a dilution of 1:100 compared to 1:40. Subsequent assays were performed at a minimal dilution of 1:100 for dog CSF. In Table 30, N/A means no number was available and * denotes a sample that reads outside Standard Curve range.

TABLE 30 Dilution Concentration and Linearity (1:40) for CSF in Normal Dog Dog CSF Dilution Corrected Sample (CSF) Dilution Concentration (pg/mL) % Linearity (1:40) 1 1:4  10316* — 1:10  16005* — 1:40 18037 — 1:100 19349 107% 2 1:4 N/A* — 1:10  20091* — 1:40 20347 — 1:100 19536  96% 3 1:4  8070* — 1:10  9909* — 1:40 11775 — 1:100 11230  95% 4 1:4 N/A* — 1:10  19548* — 1:40  21483* — 1:100 21731 101% 5 1:4 N/A* — 1:10  25275* — 1:40 33277 — 1:100 36038 108% 6 1:4  7259* — 1:10  8449* — 1:40  7977 — 1:100  7339  92% 7 1:4  6090* — 1:10  7440* — 1:40  7875 — 1:100  8073 103% 8 1:4  3129* — 1:10  3613 — 1:40  4001 — 1:100  4323 108%

Dilution linearity of a digital ELISA for NFL was tested in serum of three normal dogs. As shown in Table 31, concentrations within ±20% were observed at a dilution of 1:200 compared to 1:100. Subsequent assays were performed at a minimal dilution of 1:200 for dog blood serum.

TABLE 31 Dilution Concentration and Linearity (1:40, 1:100, 1:200) for Blood Serum in Normal Dog Dog Dilution Dog Serum Corrected Serum Samples Concen- Linearity Linearity Linearity Sample (S) Dilution tration (1:40) (1:100) (1:200) 1 1:40 90.4 — — — 1:100 116 128% — — 1:200 131 145% 113% — 1:400 154 170% 133% 118% 5 1:40 247 — — — 1:100 266 108% — — 1:200 310 125% 116% — 1:400 319 129% 120% 103% 6 1:40 231 — — — 1:100 245 106% — — 1:200 268 116% 109% — 1:400 320 139% 131% 119%

Sample stability for NF-L was tested in CSF (data shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) and blood serum (data shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B) of four normal dogs. Samples were submitted to different treatment conditions including −80° C., 4° C. overnight, room temperature for 4 hours, or 3 freeze/thaw cycles. In FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B O/N=Over night, RT=Room temperature, F/T=Freeze/thaw cycles. NFL concentrations were determined by digital ELISA (Quanterix) in duplicate. Three F/T cycles had only minor effect on sample NF-L concentration. FIG. 2B shows the data in FIG. 2A expressed as percent of −80° C. control and FIG. 3B shows the data in FIG. 3A expressed as percent of −80° C. control. Samples appeared stable for duration of experimental procedure if stored on ice.

Spike recovery for NF-L was tested by supplementing buffer control, CSF or serum of two normal dogs with increasing concentrations of recombinant human NF-L. CSF samples were assayed at 1:100 dilution, serum samples were assayed at 1:400. As shown in Table 32, the average spike recovery was close to or within acceptance criteria, but significant variability was observed between spike levels. In Table 32, “CSF” in the NF-L sample column refers to a CSF sample, and “S” refers to a serum sample.

TABLE 32 NF-L Recovery in Dog CSF and Serum Dilution Corrected Concen- Buffer NF-L Spike tration Corrected Ave. Sample (pg/ml) (pg/ml) Recovery Recovery Recovery Buffer 100 51.0 51% — — 500 387 77% — 1000 716 72% — 5000 3703 74% — 10000 7473 75% — CSF 7 0 4978 — — 122% 1000 5964 99% 138% 5000 9227 85% 115% 10000 13527 85% 114% CSF 8 0 2949 106% 1000 3796 85% 118% 5000 7038 82% 110% 10000 9678 67%  90% S 5 0 102  88% 100 166 65% 127% 500 363 52%  67% 1000 599 50%  69% S 6 0 116  94% 100 183 67% 131% 500 396 56%  72% 1000 689 57%  80% Analysis and Results: DM Dogs

NF-L concentrations in the CSF of DM dogs and control dogs were compared and the results (average for each animal) are shown in FIG. 4A. Samples were analyzed at 1:500 dilution in duplicate (% CV values ranged from 0-10%; error as SEM; one-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparison test; *p<0.05, **p<0.01 vs. aged control).

DM dogs of all stages showed a strong increase in CSF NF-L compared to aged (>9 years old) and young (1-5 years old) control groups. Combined DM cohorts display average NF-L concentration of 47,068 pg/ml compared to 6,864 pg/ml in the aged control group (human CSF is 2100 pg/ml). The increase in NF-L appears most pronounced at initial disease stages and increases were seen with severity. Group DM2 tended have increased NF-L levels as compared to group DM1 (p=0.1) Additionally, canine aged control group showed higher levels of NF-L as compared the young control group (6864 pg/ml vs. 3053 pg/m) suggesting age-dependent NF-L increase in the CSF of normal dogs.

NF-L concentrations in the serum of DM and control dogs were compared and the results (average for each animal) are shown in FIG. 4B. Samples were analyzed at 1:200 dilution in duplicate (Error as SEM; One-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparison test).

There was an apparent increase in serum NF-L in the aged control group (297 pg/ml) as compared to the young control group (72 pg/ml), suggesting age-dependent increase in normal dogs. Unlike CSF, serum of DM dogs at any stage did not show a significant increase in NF-L compared to aged control group. However, average NF-L levels might increase from combined DM1/2 stages (302 pg/ml) to combined DM3/4 stages (572 pg/ml). As the young control group NF-L level is about 10 fold higher than normal human serum NF-L (72 pg/ml v˜8 pg/ml), low serum NF-L levels in humans will be difficult to detect compared to dog.

Correlation plots for NF-L in serum and CSF of control and DM dogs showed that there was no apparent linear correlation when all groups were combined, but combined data from the young control and the aged control group suggested a linear correlation of serum with CSF NF-L levels.

Summary

A digital ELISA assay for hNFL (Quanterix Simoa platform) was optimized to meet pre-defined acceptance criteria for dilution linearity, stability and hNFL spike recovery in CSF and serum of normal dogs. Using this ELISA assay, CSF and serum levels from normal and DM dogs were analyzed.

CSF NF-L levels were elevated substantially in DM-affected dogs of stages 1-4 compared to aged controls and the CSF NF-L increase was most pronounced at initial disease stages.

Unlike CSF, serum of DM dogs at any stage did not show a significant increase in NF-L compared to aged control group. A substantial increase in serum NF-L was observed in the aged control group versus the young control group suggesting age-dependent increase in normal dogs. A similar relative increase was demonstrated in CSF. In control dogs, CSF and serum NFL levels might be linearly correlated.

Therefore, it is likely that NF-L concentrations in serum and CSF increase with aging and are elevated in DM dogs compared to aged control dogs. CSF NFL concentrations may also represent a biomarker for early disease progression.

Example 11. Phosphorylated Neurofilament Heavy Chain Levels as a Biomarker

DM initially manifests as spastic upper motor neuron paraparesis and general proprioceptive ataxia (stage 1). Progressive neurodegeneration results in non-ambulatory paraparesis/paraplegia (stage 2) and thoracic limb paresis (stage 3). End-stage disease culminates in flaccid tetraplegia, widespread muscle atrophy and bulbar dysfunction (stage 4). The disease is considered to be similar in cause, progression, and prognosis to some forms of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Phosphorylated neurofilament heavy (pNF-H) has potential as a cross-species biomarker for DM and ALS. Increased pNF-H concentrations in blood and CSF have shown high diagnostic performance and association with disease progression in patients diagnosed with ALS. In DM-affected dogs, CSF pNF-H is a sensitive biomarker for diagnosis with high specificity and has a determined cut-off value >20.25 ng/mL that is 80.4% sensitive (CI 66.09-90.64%) and 93.6% specific (CI 78.5-99.21%).

As shown in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C, pNF-H is increased in the CSF of DM-affected dogs. FIG. 5A shows that the median CSF pNF-H is increased in DM-affected dogs at all disease stages (Stage 1, n=10, p<0.05; Stage 2, n=13, p<0.0001; Stage 3, n=14, p<0.001; Stage 4 n=9, p<0.01) as compared to normal dogs (Comparisons based on a Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA on Ranks with post hoc Dunn's method; bars represent group median and interquartile range). FIG. 5B show that there is no correlation between single time-point CSF pNF-H concentration and DM disease stage (p=0.4050). FIG. 5C suggests that pNF-H may be a useful biomarker of disease progression as CSF pNF-H concentration increases over time in longitudinal paired samples from DM-affected dogs.

Significant differences in pNF-H results between treated and non-treated groups will provide a quantifiable measure in DM-affected dogs.

Example 12. In Vivo Study in DM-Affected Dogs

In order to study the therapeutic efficacy of AAV targeting SOD1, DM dogs are dosed intrathecally (CM and lumbar) with AAV SOD1 constructs, produced either by baculoviral or triple transfection production methods. Groups of 5 dogs will be used for this study (n=3 for dosing with AAV and n=2 for vehicle). In order to be included in this study, animals will need to be in an early stage of DM, undergo a NSF health screen, have normal CSF levels, a normal EMG, undergo a NSF T-L spinal cord MRI, have A/A genotype, and/or have AAV natural antibodies of less than 1:10. Prior to administration of the AAV or vehicle only, baseline fluid samples will be collected and the animals will be administered an immunosuppressant.

Toxicology and a longitudinal study will be conducted for approximately 12 months (can be extended) and then the animals will be euthanized. The toxicology study will include, but is not limited to, a physical exam, CBC levels, blood biochemistry analysis, urinalysis, and/or CSF analysis. The longitudinal study will include, but is not limited to, neurologic exams, video gait scoring, CSF pNF-H levels, collection and storage (optimally at −80° C.) of CSF, serum, and urine samples. An exemplary screening chart is shown below as Table 33.

TABLE 33 Analysis Timeline Analysis Every 3 Conducted/ Evaluation Month months Sample for Entry 1, 3, 6, recheck until End of Collected into Study Day 0 9, 12 end of study Study Physical and X X X X X Neuro Exams Video-record X X X X X Gait CBC X X X X Chemistry Panel X X X X Urinalysis X X X X Thoracic X Radiographs Abdominal X Ultrasound MRI Spinal Cord X CSF Collection X X X X (Analysis/Store) Serum, Plasma X X X X Collect (Store) AAV Titers X

It is expected that AAV treated animals will have an extension of median time from onset to non-ambulatory state and a stabilized to lower CSF pNF-H level.

Equivalents and Scope

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments in accordance with the invention described herein. The scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the above Description, but rather is as set forth in the appended claims.

In the claims, articles such as “a,” “an,” and “the” may mean one or more than one unless indicated to the contrary or otherwise evident from the context. Claims or descriptions that include “or” between one or more members of a group are considered satisfied if one, more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process unless indicated to the contrary or otherwise evident from the context. The invention includes embodiments in which exactly one member of the group is present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. The invention includes embodiments in which more than one, or the entire group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process.

It is also noted that the term “comprising” is intended to be open and permits but does not require the inclusion of additional elements or steps. When the term “comprising” is used herein, the term “consisting of” is thus also encompassed and disclosed.

Where ranges are given, endpoints are included. Furthermore, it is to be understood that unless otherwise indicated or otherwise evident from the context and understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art, values that are expressed as ranges can assume any specific value or subrange within the stated ranges in different embodiments of the invention, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In addition, it is to be understood that any particular embodiment of the present invention that falls within the prior art may be explicitly excluded from any one or more of the claims. Since such embodiments are deemed to be known to one of ordinary skill in the art, they may be excluded even if the exclusion is not set forth explicitly herein. Any particular embodiment of the compositions of the invention (e.g., any antibiotic, therapeutic or active ingredient; any method of production; any method of use; etc.) can be excluded from any one or more claims, for any reason, whether or not related to the existence of prior art.

It is to be understood that the words which have been used are words of description rather than limitation, and that changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention in its broader aspects.

While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention.

All cited sources, for example, references, publications, databases, database entries, and art cited herein, are incorporated into this application by reference, even if not expressly stated in the citation. In case of conflicting statements of a cited source and the instant application, the statement in the instant application shall control.

Section and table headings are not intended to be limiting. 

We claim:
 1. A modulatory polynucleotide which interferes with expression of a superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene, the modulatory polynucleotide comprising a sense strand sequence and an antisense strand sequence of an siRNA duplex, wherein each of the sense strand sequence and each of the antisense strand sequence is 30 nucleotides or less in length, and wherein (a) the sense strand sequence comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25; and (b) the antisense strand sequence comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 7. 2. The modulatory polynucleotide of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide sequence encoding the sense strand sequence comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 83, and wherein the nucleotide sequence encoding the antisense strand sequence comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 104. 3. The modulatory polynucleotide of claim 1, wherein the sense strand sequence and the antisense strand sequence are, independently, 21 nucleotides in length.
 4. The modulatory polynucleotide of claim 1, wherein at least one of the sense strand sequence and the antisense strand sequence comprise a 3′ overhang of at least 1 or 2 nucleotides.
 5. An adeno-associated virus (AAV) viral genome comprising a nucleic acid sequence positioned between two inverted terminal repeats (ITRs), wherein said nucleic acid sequence encodes the modulatory polynucleotide of claim
 1. 6. A recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) comprising the AAV viral genome of claim 5, and an AAV capsid protein.
 7. The recombinant AAV of claim 6, wherein the AAV capsid protein is an AAVrh10 capsid protein or a variant thereof, an AAV5 capsid protein or a variant thereof, or an AAV9 capsid protein or a variant thereof.
 8. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the recombinant AAV of claim 6, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
 9. The modulatory polynucleotide of claim 1, which further comprises: (a) a 5′ flanking region; (b) a loop region; and/or (c) a 3′ flanking region.
 10. The modulatory polynucleotide of claim 9, wherein: (i) the 5′ flanking region comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 47; (ii) the loop region comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 50; and (iii) the 3′ flanking region comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 54. 11. The modulatory polynucleotide of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide sequence encoding the modulatory polynucleotide comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 62. 12. The AAV viral genome of claim 5, which further comprises: (i) a promoter; (ii) an enhancer; (iii) an intron; (iv) a filler sequence; and/or (v) a poly A signal sequence.
 13. The AAV viral genome of claim 12, wherein the promoter comprises an H1 promoter.
 14. A cell comprising the AAV viral genome of claim
 5. 15. The cell of claim 14, wherein the cell is an insect cell, a mammalian cell, or a bacterial cell.
 16. A vector comprising the AAV viral genome of claim
 5. 